Liquid discharging device

ABSTRACT

A liquid discharging device includes: a cartridge mounting part; a tank connected to the cartridge mounting part; a head that ejects a liquid; a discharge configured to discharge the liquid from the head; and a controller. The liquid is at least a storage liquid, a first liquid which is different from the storage liquid, or a mixture thereof. In a storage mode, the controller executes: a return process of returning the first liquid from the tank to a first liquid cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting part; a first discharging process of discharging the first liquid from the head; a storage liquid supplying process for supplying a storage liquid from a storage liquid cartridge to the tank; and a second discharging process of discharging the storage liquid from the head, after executing the storage liquid supplying process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2022-061285 filed Mar. 31, 2022, and to Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2023-039425 filed Mar. 14, 2023. The contents of these applicationsare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a liquid discharging device.

The inkjet recording device is known as a liquid ejecting device thatejects liquid from nozzles of a head and prints on a sheet, for example.Some of the inkjet recording devices have a maintenance liquid tank, andcleans the inside of the head using the maintenance liquid.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, A liquid dischargingdevice, includes: a cartridge mounting part configured to have acartridge retaining a liquid mounted thereon; a tank configured toretain the liquid; a head configured to eject the liquid from a nozzlewhich is an opening provided on a nozzle surface of the head; a firstchannel connecting the cartridge mounting part and the tank; a secondchannel connecting the tank and the head; a discharge unit including acap configured to cover the nozzle surface, the discharge unit beingconfigured to discharge the liquid from the nozzle by creating anegative pressure in an internal space of the cap; and a controller. Theliquid is at least a storage liquid, a first liquid which is differentfrom the storage liquid, or a mixture thereof. The cartridge includes afirst liquid cartridge which retains the first liquid and a storageliquid cartridge which retains the storage liquid. In a state where theliquid discharging device is in a storage mode, the controller executes:a return process in which the first liquid is returned from the tankthrough the first channel to the first liquid cartridge mounted on thecartridge mounting part; a first discharging process in which the firstliquid is discharged from the head after executing the return process byan operation of the discharge unit; a storage liquid supplying processin which the storage liquid is supplied from a storage liquid cartridgeto the tank in a state where the storage liquid cartridge is mounted onthe cartridge mounting part; and a second discharging process in whichthe storage liquid is discharged from the head after executing thestorage liquid supplying process by an operation of the discharge unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an appearance perspective view of an image recording device100 according to an Embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the II-II cross section ofFIG. 1 , indicating a state in which the head 38 is at a recordingposition, the first support mechanism 51 is at a first orientation, andthe maintenance mechanism 60 is at a standby position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the upperhousing 31 in FIG. 2 is in an open position;

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of the head 38;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the ejecting module 49;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a maintenance mechanism 60;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the maintenance mechanism 60;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid channel 153 of thesupport base 61 cut along a plane parallel to the flow direction of theliquid channel 153;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of caps 62A, 62B, 62C in a maintenanceposition.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an ink circuit 113.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image recording device 100;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the II-II cross sectionof FIG. 1 , indicating a state in which the head 38 is at a cappedposition, the first support mechanism 51 is at a first orientation, andthe maintenance mechanism 60 is at a maintenance position;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the II-II cross sectionof FIG. 1 , indicating a state in which the head 38 is at a wipingposition, the first support mechanism 51 is at a first orientation, andthe maintenance mechanism 60 is at a wiping position;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the II-II cross sectionof FIG. 1 , indicating a state in which the head 38 is at a recordingposition, the first support mechanism 51 is at a second orientation, andthe maintenance mechanism 60 is at a position supported by the firstsupport mechanism 51;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the II-II cross sectionof FIG. 1 , indicating a state in which the head 38 is at a recordingposition, the first support mechanism 51 is at a second orientation, andthe maintenance mechanism 60 is at a standby position;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the storage process;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the storage process;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the resume process; and

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the resume process;

DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the words “a” and “an” and the like carry the meaning of“one or more.” When an amount, concentration, or other value orparameter is given as a range, and/or its description includes a list ofupper and lower values, this is to be understood as specificallydisclosing all integers and fractions within the given range, and allranges formed from any pair of any upper and lower values, regardless ofwhether subranges are separately disclosed. Where a range of numericalvalues is recited herein, unless otherwise stated, the range is intendedto include the endpoints thereof, as well as all integers and fractionswithin the range. As an example, a stated range of 1-10 fully describesand includes the independent subrange 3.4-7.2 as does the following listof values: 1, 4, 6, 10.

In some known devices, the inside of the head is cleaned withmaintenance liquid when the head is not used for a certain period oftime. For example, an industrial inkjet recording device routinelyprints on a large number of recording media, and therefore, it isdesired to improve the printing speed and lengthen the continuousprinting period without exchanging cartridges. In order to meet suchdemands, the capacity of the ink tank is increased and the size of thehead is increased. As a result, the amount of ink remaining in the headand channel increases, the amount of ink discarded during storageincreases, and a large amount of maintenance liquid is required to cleanthe head and channel.

-   -   (1) The liquid discharging device according to the present        disclosure includes a cartridge mounting part to which a        cartridge for retaining liquid is mounted, a tank connected to        the cartridge mounting part by a first channel, a head that        ejects liquid from a nozzle which is an opening on the nozzle        surface; a second channel that supplies liquid from the tank to        the head, a discharge mechanism (discharge unit) for discharging        the liquid from the head, and a controller. The liquid is at        least a storage liquid, a first liquid which is different from        the storage liquid, or a mixture thereof. The cartridge includes        a first liquid cartridge which retains the first liquid and a        storage liquid cartridge which retains the storage liquid. In a        state where the liquid discharging device is in a storage mode,        the controller executes:    -   return processing of returning the first liquid from the tank        through the first channel to the first liquid cartridge mounted        on the cartridge mounting part, under the condition that the        device is transferred to a storage state;    -   a first discharging process of driving the discharge mechanism        to discharge the first liquid from the head, after executing the        return processing;    -   a storage liquid supplying process of supplying the storage        liquid from the storage liquid cartridge to the tank in a state        where the storage liquid cartridge is mounted on the cartridge        mounting part; and a second discharging process of driving the        discharge mechanism to discharge the storage liquid from the        head after executing the storage liquid supplying.

The liquid in the head, tank, first channel, and second channel can bereplaced with the storage liquid. In addition, the liquid inside thetank is returned to the first cartridge in the return process;therefore, the amount of liquid wasted when storing is low. In addition,the liquid in the head, first channel, and second channel is easilyreplaced with storage liquid.

-   -   (2) The controller may further cause the liquid discharging        device to transition to the storage mode based on an instruction        command received while the first liquid cartridge is mounted on        the cartridge mounting part.

Since the user can input an instruction command to the device at anytiming, the liquid discharging device can be placed into storage modebased on the schedule of use of the user.

-   -   (3) The first liquid may contain a coloring agent, an organic        solvent, a surfactant, and water; and the storage liquid may        contain an organic solvent, a surfactant, and water.    -   (4) The liquid further may include a resin microparticle, and        the coloring agent includes a pigment; and the storage liquid        may further include a water-soluble polymer.

The liquid with excellent fast drying properties on the recording mediumhas excellent replacement properties for being replaced with the storageliquid, and redispersibility for dissolving solidified liquid is alsoexcellent.

-   -   (5) A viscosity of the first liquid is preferably higher than a        viscosity of the storage liquid.    -   (6) The surfactant contained in the storage liquid is preferably        an anionic surfactant.    -   (7) A weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble        polymer contained in the storage liquid is preferably within a        range of 8,500 to 20,000.    -   (8) The water-soluble polymer included in the storage liquid        preferably contains an aromatic alkyl group or lactam group in a        structure thereof.    -   (9) The organic solvent contained in the first liquid preferably        includes a glycol ether having a propylene oxide group and the        organic solvent contained in the storage liquid preferably        includes a glycol ether having an ethylene oxide group.    -   (10) The organic solvents contained in the first liquid may        include a low-solidification-temperature organic solvent which        is independently in a liquid state at 25° C., in an amount of        10% by weight or less of a total liquid amount.    -   (11) The resin microparticle contained in the first liquid is        preferably an acrylic resin.    -   (12) With the return process, the controller may determine        whether or not the first liquid cartridge is mounted on the        cartridge mounting part based on whether or not identification        information is received from the first liquid cartridge.    -   (13) The liquid discharging device may also include a third        channel for discharging liquid from the head to the tank; and        the controller may further execute a storage liquid circulation        process that circulates the storage liquid retained in the tank        through the second channel and the third channel to and from the        head before the second discharging process.    -   (14) The controller may further execute a first liquid        circulation process of circulating the first liquid retained in        the tank between the tank and the head through the second        channel and the third channel, in a state where the first liquid        cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part.    -   (15) The controller may repeatedly execute the storage liquid        circulation process and the second discharging process.    -   (16) During the storage liquid supplying process, the controller        may determine whether or not the storage liquid cartridge is        mounted on the cartridge mounting part based on whether or not        identification information is received from the storage liquid        cartridge.    -   (17) The discharge mechanism may include: a cap configured to        abut against the nozzle surface in a covering position and to        separate from the nozzle surface in a retracted position, and a        fourth channel communicating with an internal space of the cap.        The controller may further execute a cleaning process of        circulating a cleaning liquid in the internal space of the cap        and in the fourth channel.    -   (18) The controller may further record storage information        indicating being in a storage state in a memory, and then may        turn a power of the liquid discharging device OFF, after        executing the second discharging process.    -   (19) The controller may further drive the discharge mechanism to        discharge the storage liquid from the head, in a state where the        storage information is recorded in the memory and the first        liquid cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part.    -   (20) The controller may further supply the first liquid from the        first liquid cartridge to the tank, in a state where the storage        information is recorded in the memory and the first liquid        cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part.

The present disclosure facilitates appropriately handling ink remainingin a liquid discharging device when the liquid discharging device isplaced in a storage state, and facilitates the replacement with storageliquid.

Preferred Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.Note that the present Embodiment naturally is merely one Embodiment ofthe present disclosure, and that the Embodiment can be changed to anextent that the gist of the present disclosure is not altered. In thefollowing description, the vertical direction 7 is defined based on thestate in which the image recording device 100 is installed for use (thestate in FIG. 1 ), the front-to-back direction 8 is defined with theside on which the discharge port 33 is provided as the close side (frontside), and the left-right direction 9 is defined as viewed from theclose side (front) of the image recording device 100.

[External Configuration of Image Recording device 100]

An image recording device 100 (an example of a liquid dischargingdevice) illustrated in FIG. 1 records an image on a sheet S forming arolled body 37 (see FIG. 2 ) by an inkjet recording method.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the image recording device 100 includes ahousing 30. The housing 30 has an upper housing 31 and a lower housing32. The upper housing 31 and the lower housing 32 are generally arectangular body as a whole, and are large enough to be placed on adesk. In other words, the image recording device 100 is suitable for usewhile being placed on a desk. Of course, the image recording device 100may be placed on the floor or on a rack for use.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the housing 30 is divided into an internalspace 31A inside the upper housing 31 and an internal space 32A insidethe lower housing 32, as seen from the outside.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the upper housing 31 is rotatablysupported by the lower housing 32. The upper housing 31 is rotatablearound a rotation shaft 15 that is provided on a rear lower end part andextends in the left-right direction 9 between a closed positionillustrated in FIG. 2 and an open position illustrated in FIG. 3 .

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a slit-shaped discharge port 33 elongated inthe left-right direction 9 is formed in the front surface 32F of thelower housing 32. A sheet S on which an image has been recorded (seeFIG. 2 ) is discharged from the discharge port 33.

An operating panel 44 is provided on the front surface 31F of the upperhousing 31. The user provides inputs to the operating panel 44 tooperate the image recording device 100 and confirms various settings.The operating panel 44 has a display part 44A for indicating that acover member 82, which will be described later, is mounted on thesupport member 81.

[Internal Configuration of Image Recording Device 100]

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the internal spaces 31A and 32A include aholder 35, a tensioner 45, a transport roller pair 36, a transportroller pair 40, a head 38, a first support mechanism 51, a heater 39, asupport part 46, a second support mechanism 52, CIS 25, a cutter unit26, an ink tank 34, a cleaning liquid tank 76, a waste liquid tank 77, amaintenance mechanism 60, a wiper cleaning mechanism 80, and acontroller 130 (see FIG. 10 ). Although not illustrated in FIG. 2 , thecontroller 130 is provided in the internal space 32A. The controller 130controls operation of the image recording device 100.

A partition wall 41 is provided in the internal space 32A. The partitionwall 41 partitions the rear lower portion of the internal space 32A todefine the sheet storage space 32C. The sheet storage space 32C isenclosed by the partition wall 41 and the lower housing 32.

A roll body 37 is stored in the sheet storage space 32C. The roll body37 has a core tube and a long sheet S. The sheet S is wound around thecore tube in a roll shape in the circumferential direction of the axisof the core tube.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , a holder 35 extending in the left-rightdirection 9 is positioned in the sheet storage space 32C. When mounted,the holder 35 supports the roll body 37 so that the axis of the coretube of the roll body 37 is in the left-right direction 9 and the rollbody 37 is rotatable around the axis in the circumferential direction.The holder 35 is rotated by a driving force transmitted from a transportmotor 53 (see FIG. 10 ). As the holder 35 rotates, the roll body 37supported by the holder 35 also rotates.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the sheet storage space 32C opens upward at arear portion. A gap 42 is formed between the partition wall 41 and therear surface 32B, that is, above a rear end of the roll body 37. As thetransport roller pairs 36 and 40 rotate, the sheet S is drawn upwardfrom the rear end of the roll body 37 and guided to the tensioner 45through the gap 42.

The tensioner 45 is positioned above the partition wall 41 in the rearportion of the internal space 32A. The tensioner 45 has an outerperipheral surface 45A facing the outside of the lower housing 32. Theupper end of the outer peripheral surface 45A is located atsubstantially the same vertical position as a nip D of the transportroller pair 36 in the vertical direction 7.

The sheet S pulled out from the roll body 37 is caught on and abutsagainst the outer peripheral surface 45A. The sheet S curves forwardalong the outer peripheral surface 45A, extends in the transportdirection 8A, and is guided by the transport roller pair 36. Thetransport direction 8A is forward along the front-to-back direction 8.

The transport roller pair 36 is positioned in front of the tensioner 45.The transport roller pair 36 has a transport roller 36A and a pinchroller 36B. The transport roller 36A and the pinch roller 36B form a nipD by contacting each other at substantially the same vertical positionas the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 45A.

A transport roller pair 40 is positioned in front of the transportroller pair 36. The transport roller pair 40 has a transport roller 40Aand a pinch roller 40B. The transport roller 40A and the pinch roller40B contact each other at substantially the same vertical position asthe upper end of the outer peripheral surface 45A to form a nip.

The transport rollers 36A, 40A are rotated by a driving forcetransmitted from the transport motor 53 (see FIG. 10 ). The transportroller pair 36 nips and rotates the sheet S extending from the tensioner45 in the transport direction 8A, thereby feeding the sheet S along thetransport surface 43A of the transport path 43, described below, in thetransport direction 8A. The transport roller pair 40 nips and rotatesthe sheet S fed from the transport roller pair 36 to feed the sheet S inthe transport direction 8A. Furthermore, the sheet S is pulled out fromthe sheet storage space 32C toward the tensioner 45 through the gap 42due to the rotation of the transport roller pairs 36 and 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , a transport path 43 extending from the upperend of the outer peripheral surface 45A to the discharge port 33 isformed in the internal space 32A. The transport path 43 extendssubstantially linearly along the transport direction 8A, and is a spacethrough which the sheet S can pass. Specifically, the transport path 43extends along the transport surface 43A extending in the transportdirection 8A and the left-right direction 9 and being long in thetransport direction 8A. In addition, in FIG. 2 , the transport surface43A is indicated by a two-dot chain line indicating the transport path43. The transport path 43 is partitioned by guide members which arespaced apart in the vertical direction 7 (not illustrated), a head 38, atransport belt 101, a support part 46, a heater 39, and the like. Inother words, the head 38, the transport belt 101, the supporting part46, and the heater 39 are positioned along the transport path 43.

The head 38 is located above the transport path 43 and downstream of thetransport roller pair 36 in the transport direction 8A. The head 38 hasa plurality of nozzles 38A that open on a nozzle surface 50 (see FIG.4A). Ink is ejected downward from the plurality of nozzles 38A towardthe sheet S supported by the transport belt 101. Thus, an image isrecorded on the sheet S. The configuration of the head 38 will bedescribed later.

The first support mechanism 51 is positioned downstream of the transportroller pair 36 in the transport direction 8A and below the transportpath 43. The first support mechanism 51 faces the head 38 and is belowthe head 38. The first support mechanism 51 has a transport belt 101 anda support member 104. The transport belt 101 supports the sheet S whichis transported in the transport direction 8A by the transport rollerpair 36 and positioned immediately below the head 38. The transport belt101 transports the supported sheet S in the transport direction 8A. Thesupport member 104 can support the maintenance mechanism 60.

The first support mechanism 51 includes a transport belt 101, a driveroller 102, a driven roller 103, a support member 104, and gears 105 and106. Note that the teeth of the gears 105 and 106 are omitted in eachfigure.

The drive roller 102 and the driven roller 103 are rotatably supportedby a support member 104. The drive roller 102 and the driven roller 103are separated from each other in the front-to-back direction 8(transport direction 8A). The transport belt 101 is an endless belt. Atransport belt 101 is stretched over the drive roller 102 and the drivenroller 103. The transport belt 101 is arranged in the transport path 43in the left-right direction 9.

The drive roller 102 is rotated by a driving force provided by thetransport motor 53 (see FIG. 10 ) to rotate the transport belt 101. Asthe transport belt 101 rotates, the driven roller 103 rotates. Thetransport belt 101 has a transport surface 108. The transport surface108 is the upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of thetransport belt 101 and extends along the transport direction 8A. Thetransport surface 108 faces the nozzles 38A of the head 38 with thetransport path 43 interposed therebetween. The transport surface 108applies a transport force to the sheet S while supporting the sheet Stransported between the pair of transport rollers 36 and 40 from below.As a result, the transport belt 101 transports the sheet S positioned onthe transport path 43 in the transport direction 8A along the transportsurface 108.

The support member 104 has a shaft 109A. The shaft 109A is rotatablysupported by the lower housing 32. The shaft 109A extends in theleft-right direction 9 (direction perpendicular to the transportdirection 8A and parallel to the nozzle surface 50 of the ejectingmodule 49). The shaft 109A is provided upstream of the drive roller 102in the transport direction 8A. The shaft 109A is positioned below thetransport roller pair 36.

The shaft 109A is rotated by a driving force transmitted from a shaftmotor 59 (see FIG. 10 ). As the shaft 109A rotates, the support member104 rotates around the shaft 109A. The pivot tip end 51A of the firstsupport mechanism 51 is positioned downstream in the transport direction8A from the shaft 109A.

The support member 104 has a first orientation parallel to the nozzlesurface 50 of the ejecting module 49 (see FIG. 2 ), and a secondorientation which is angled around the shaft 109A as the center from thefirst orientation, and a pivot tip end 51A is located below the shaft109 (see FIG. 13 ), such that the orientation can be altered.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the transport surface 108 of the transportbelt 101 extends along the front-to-back direction 8 when the firstsupport mechanism 51 is in the first orientation. As a result, thetransport belt 101 can transport the sheet S positioned on the transportpath 43 forward to the support part 46.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , when the first support mechanism 51 is inthe second orientation, the transport surface 108 of the transport belt101 extends along a downward sloping direction 6 toward the front. Thesloping direction 6 is perpendicular to the left-right direction 9 andintersects the transport direction 8A.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , gears 105 and 106 are rotatably supported bythe support member 104 of first support mechanism 51. The gear 106 isconnected to the first motor 55 (see FIG. 10 ) directly or via anothergear or the like, and is provided a driving force from the first motor55.

The heater 39 is located downstream of the head 38 in the transportdirection 8A and upstream of the transport roller pair 40 in thetransport direction 8A below the transport path 43. The heater 39 issupported by a frame in front of the first support mechanism 51 andextends in the left-right direction 9. The heater 39 has a heat transferplate (not illustrated) and a film heater (not illustrated). The heattransfer plate is composed of metal, and has support surfaces extendingin the front, rear, left, and right directions at substantially the samevertical positions as the transport surface 108 of the transport belt101. The sheet S delivered from the first support mechanism 51 istransported forward on the support surface of the heat transfer plate. Afilm heater is fixed to the lower surface of the heat transfer plate andgenerates heat as controlled by the controller 130. This heat istransferred to the sheet S on the heat transfer plate via the heattransfer plate. In addition, heat from the heater 39 is recovered by aduct 145 provided above the heater 39.

The duct 145 is provided above the transport path 43, downstream of thehead 38 in the transport direction 8A and upstream of the transportroller pair 40.

The support part 46 is positioned below the transport path 43. Thesupport part 46 is located downstream of the head 38 and the firstsupport mechanism 51 in the transport direction 8A. A heater 39 ispositioned behind the support part 46. A front portion of the supportpart 46 faces the transport roller 40A. The support part 46 is locatedupstream of the cutter unit 26 in the transport direction 8A.

The support part 46 is supported by the lower housing 32 so as to berotatable about a shaft (not illustrated) extending in the left-rightdirection 9. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , when the upper housing 31 is inthe open position, the support part 46 can be rotated between ahorizontal position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3 and thevertical position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3 .

When the support part 46 is in the horizontal position, the pivot tipend 46B of the support part 46 is positioned forward (downstream in thetransport direction 8A) of the pivot base end 46A. When the support part46 is in the horizontal position, the support part 46 constitutes aportion of the transport path 43 and can support the sheet S transportedin the transport direction 8A by the transport belt 101. When thesupport part 46 is in the vertical position, the pivot tip end 46B ofthe support part 46 is positioned higher than when the support part 46is in the horizontal position, such that the maintenance mechanism 60can be exposed to the outside. The shaft of the support part 46 isprovided at the rear end portion of the support part 46 and extends inthe left-right direction 9.

The second support mechanism 52 is supported by the lower housing 32 soas to be movable in an orthogonal direction 10 orthogonal to the slopingdirection 6 and the left-right direction 9. The second support mechanism52 can support the maintenance mechanism 60. The second supportmechanism 52 is provided so as to extend in the sloping direction 6 as awhole, and can be moved in a direction to contact and separate from thewiper cleaning mechanism 80 by a ball screw (not illustrated). Thesecond support mechanism 52 supports the maintenance mechanism 60 toslidably support the movement of the maintenance mechanism 60.

Gears 118, 119, 120 are rotatably supported by a main body 115 of thesecond support mechanism 52. Gear 120 meshes with gears 118 and 119. Asgear 120 rotates, gears 118 and 119 rotate in the same direction. Thegear 120 is connected to the second motor 56 (see FIG. 10 ) directly orvia another gear or the like, and is driven by a driving force from thesecond motor 56. The gears 118 and 119 can be meshed with a rack 154 ofthe maintenance mechanism 60 that is positioned across from the gears.

The CIS 25 is positioned above the transport path 43 and downstream ofthe transport roller pair 40 in the transport direction 8A. The CIS 25can read an image on a printed surface of a sheet.

The cutter unit 26 is positioned above the transport path 43 anddownstream of the CIS 25 in the transport direction 8A. The cutter unit26 has a cutter 28 mounted on a cutter carriage 27. Movement of thecutter 28 cuts the sheet S positioned on the transport path 43 along theleft-right direction 9.

The mounting case 110 (an example of a cartridge mounting part) ispositioned near the front and lower ends of the lower housing 32 and hasa box shape that opens in the forward direction. An ink tank 34 (anexample of a liquid cartridge) is inserted facing backwards into themounting case 110. An ink needle 112 extending forward is positioned ona rearward end surface 111 of the mounting case 110. The front end ofthe ink needle 112 is open, and the rear end is connected to an inkcircuit 113 (see FIG. 9 ). The ink circuit 113 connects the internalspace of the ink needle 112 and the head 38 such that ink can flow. Whenthe ink tank 34 is attached to the mounting case 110, the ink needle 112is inserted into the outflow port of the ink tank 34. As a result, inkretained in the ink tank 34 is supplied to the head 38 through the inkneedle 112 and the ink circuit 113. The configuration of the ink circuit113 will be described later. A contact 114 is located on an end surface111. The contact 114 is electrically connected to an IC substrate 70 ofthe ink tank 34 when the ink tank 34 is mounted in the mounting case110. The controller 130 can access the recording region of the ICsubstrate 70 through the contact 114.

The ink tank 34 retains ink. Ink is a liquid containing pigments and thelike. The internal space of the ink tank 34 is a retaining chamber thatretains ink. The retaining chamber may be in air communication with theoutside, or may be in the form of a bag such as a pouch that can shrinkas the ink flows out. Ink is supplied to the head 38 through the inkcircuit 113 from the ink tank 34 mounted in the mounting case 110. TheIC substrate 70 is positioned behind the ink tank 34. The IC substrate70 stores identification information in a recording region, indicatingthat it is the ink tank 34.

The storage liquid tank 11 (an example of the storage liquid cartridge)illustrated in FIG. 9 has the same configuration as the ink tank 34,except that the retained liquid is the storage liquid. The storageliquid tank 11 can also be attached to the mounting case 110. Thestorage liquid is supplied to the head 38 through the ink circuit 113from the storage liquid tank 11 attached to the mounting case 110. TheIC substrate 12 is positioned on the back surface of the storage liquidtank 11. The IC substrate 12 stores identification information in therecording region, indicating that it is the storage liquid tank 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the cleaning liquid tank 76 retains cleaningliquid. The cleaning liquid is for cleaning the nozzles 38A of the head38. The cleaning liquid tank 76 is located below the second supportmechanism 52, as described later. The internal space of the cleaningliquid tank 76 is a retaining chamber that retains ink. The retainingchamber may be in air communication with the outside, or may be in theform of a bag such as a pouch that can shrink as the ink flows out. Awaste liquid tank 77 is a container where the cleaning liquid isdischarged, and is in air communication with the outside. Note that thecleaning liquid tank 76 and the waste liquid tank 77 may also bedetachable from the image recording device 100 in the same manner as theink tank 34. Furthermore, the waste liquid tank 77 may be provided inthe same housing as the cleaning liquid tank 76. In this case, thecleaning liquid may be contained in a pouch and the waste liquid may beretained in the internal space of the tank housing. In addition, thecleaning liquid tank 76 may include a main tank that retains thecleaning liquid and a sub-tank that retains the cleaning liquid suppliedfrom the main tank.

The maintenance mechanism 60 is for performing maintenance on the head38. The maintenance mechanism 60 is configured to be movable, and ismoved directly below the head 38 when maintenance of the head 38 isperformed (see FIGS. 11 and 12 ).

Maintenance of the head 38 includes purge processing, cap cleaning,wiping, and the like. Purge processing is, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , aprocess of covering the nozzle surface 50 with a cap 62 of themaintenance mechanism 60, which will be described later, and thensucking ink from the nozzles 38A using a suction pump 74. The capcleaning is a process of cleaning the nozzle surface 50 of the head 38with cleaning liquid sent into the internal spaces 67A, 67B, and 67C ofthe cap 62 while the nozzle surface 50 is covered with the cap 62.Wiping is a process of wiping the nozzle surface 50 of the head 38 witha sponge wiper 64 of the maintenance mechanism 60, which will bedescribed later, as illustrated in FIG. 12 . The configuration of themaintenance mechanism 60 will be described later.

The wiper cleaning mechanism 80 is for cleaning the cap 62 and rubberwiper 63 of the maintenance mechanism 60. The maintenance mechanism 60is moved directly below the wiper cleaning mechanism 80 when the cap 62and rubber wiper 63 are to be cleaned. A surface of the wiper cleaningmechanism 80 facing the maintenance mechanism 60 is made of sponge, andholds maintenance liquid. The wiper cleaning mechanism 80 can come intocontact with a lip 66 and a rubber wiper 63 positioned at a retractedposition. As a result, the wiper cleaning mechanism 80 wipes inkattached to the lip 66 of the cap 2 and the rubber wiper 63.

[Head 38]

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the head 38 has a substantiallyrectangular body shape elongated in the left-right direction 9. The head38 includes a frame 48 and three ejecting modules 49A, 49B, 49C.Hereinafter, the three ejecting modules 49A, 49B, and 49C are alsocollectively referred to as ejecting module 49. Note that the number ofejecting modules 49 is not limited to three, and may be, for example,one.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the ejecting module 49 is supported bythe frame 48. The lower surface of the ejecting module 49 is exposeddownward. The ejecting module 49 is arranged in the transport path 43 inthe left-right direction 9.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the ejecting modules 49A and 49B are providedat the same position in the transport direction 8A. The ejecting modules49A and 49B are arranged with a space therebetween in the left-rightdirection 9. The ejecting module 49C is arranged downstream of ejectingmodules 49A and 49B in the transport direction 8A. The ejecting module49C is provided between two adjacent ejecting modules 49A and 49B in theleft-right direction 9. The left end of the ejecting module 49C ispositioned leftward from the right end of the ejecting module 49A. Theright end of the ejecting module 49C is positioned rightward from theleft end of the ejecting module 49B. In other words, in the left-rightdirection 9, the ends of the ejecting module 49C and the ends of theejecting modules 49A and 49B overlap.

Each ejecting module 49A, 49B, 49C contains a plurality of nozzles 38A.Each nozzle 38A is opened on the nozzle surface 50 of each ejectingmodule 49A, 49B, 49C. The nozzle surface 50 is a surface extending inthe front-to-back direction 8 and the left-right direction 9. Asdescribed above, ink is ejected downward from the plurality of nozzles38A toward the sheet S supported by the transport belt 101 of the firstsupport mechanism 51, and an image is recorded on the sheet S.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the ejecting module 49 has an inflow port 22and an outflow port 23 connected to the ink circuit 113. The inflow port22 and the outflow port 23 are both connected to a manifold 24. Themanifold 24 is connected to a plurality of nozzles 38A. Ink that hasflowed into the manifold 24 through the inflow port 22 is ejected to theoutside through the nozzles 38A by driving piezo elements (notillustrated) positioned so as to correspond to the nozzles 38A. The inkin the manifold 24 can be circulated through the inflow port 22 and theoutflow port 23.

The head 38 moves, along the vertical direction 7, to the recordingposition illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 , to the capped positionillustrated in FIG. 11 , to the wiping position illustrated by the solidlines in FIG. 12 , and to the uncapping position illustrated by thedashed line in FIG. 12 . The recording position is the position of thehead 38 when recording an image on the sheet S supported by thetransport belt 101. The capped position is the position of the head 38when the ejecting module 49 is covered with the cap 62 of themaintenance mechanism 60. The capped position is a position above therecording position (a position farther from the first support mechanism51 than the recording position). The wiping position is the position ofthe head 38 when the sponge wiper 64 of the maintenance mechanism 60wipes the nozzle surface 50 of the ejecting module 49. The wipingposition is a position higher than the capping position. The uncappingposition is the position of the head 38 when the head 38 is completelyseparated from the maintenance mechanism 60. The uncapping position is aposition above the wiping position.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the head 38 is moved by the ball screw 29.The ball screw 29 has a screw shaft 29A and a nut member 29B. The screwshaft 29A is supported by the lower housing 32 so as to be rotatableabout an axis extending in the vertical direction 7. The screw shaft 29Arotates when a driving force is transmitted from a head motor 54 (seeFIG. 10 ). The nut member 29B moves upward by the forward rotation ofthe screw shaft 29A, and moves downward by the reverse rotation of thescrew shaft 29A. The configuration for vertically moving the head 38 isnot limited to the configuration using the ball screw 29, and variousother known configurations can be adopted.

[Maintenance Mechanism 60]

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the maintenance mechanism 60 (an example of adischarge mechanism or a discharge unit) includes a support base 61, asponge wiper 64, a rubber wiper 63, and a cap 62. In the followingdescription of the maintenance mechanism 60, it is assumed that themaintenance mechanism 60 is supported by the first support mechanism 51in the second orientation and the second support mechanism 52.

The support base 61 has a base 61A, a main body 61B placed on the base61A, and a wiper holder 61C that holds the sponge wiper 64 and therubber wiper 63 on the main body 61B. The base 61A has a box shape withan open top. The base 61A includes a first bottom plate 121, a firstedge plate 122 standing vertical from the peripheral edge of the firstbottom plate 121, an extending piece 125, and a rack 154 (see FIG. 2 ).

The first bottom plate 121 has a flat plate shape extending in thesloping direction 6 and the left-right direction 9. The upper and lowersurfaces of the first bottom plate 121 are formed in a rectangular shapethat is longer in the horizontal direction 9 than the sloping direction6. The lower surface of the first bottom plate 121 can contact the uppersurface of the first support mechanism 51 from above. Thereby, themaintenance mechanism 60 can be supported by the first support mechanism51. The lower surface of the first bottom plate 121 can contact theupper surface of the second support mechanism 52 from above. Thereby,the maintenance mechanism 60 can be supported by the second supportmechanism 52.

The first edge plate 122 has a rectangular frame shape in plan view. Theextending piece 125 extends rightward from the lower end part of theright wall of the first edge plate 122. The extending piece 125 extendsfrom one end of the right wall of the first edge plate 122 in thesloping direction 6 to the other end.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the rack 154 is formed on the lower surfaceof the extending piece 125. The rack 154 extends from one end of theextending piece 125 in the sloping direction 6 to the vicinity of theother end. The rack 154 can vertically face the upper surface of thefirst support mechanism 51.

The rack 154 can mesh with the gear 105 of the first support mechanism51. The maintenance mechanism 60 slides along the upper surface of thefirst support mechanism 51 by rotating the gear 105 while the rack 154and gear 105 are meshed.

The rack 154 can mesh with the gears 118 and 119 of the second supportmechanism 52. The maintenance mechanism 60 slides along the uppersurface of the second support mechanism 52 by rotating the gear 120 in acondition where the rack 154 is meshed with at least one of the gears118 and 119.

As a result, the maintenance mechanism 60 can move to a standby positionas illustrated in FIG. 2 , a retracted position as illustrated by dashedlines in FIG. 12 , a maintenance position as illustrated in FIG. 11 ,and a wiping position as illustrated in FIG. 12 , as will be describedlater. The maintenance mechanism 60 at the maintenance position and atthe wiping position faces the nozzle surface 50 of the ejecting module49 of the head 38 in the vertical direction 7. The maintenance mechanism60 at the standby position and at the retracted position is separatedfrom the nozzle surface 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the main body 61B has a substantiallybox-like shape with an open top. The main body 61B is fixed to the base61A. The main body 61B includes a second bottom plate 151, a second edgeplate 152 standing vertical from the second bottom plate 151, and aliquid channel 153 (see FIG. 7 ) for circulating the cleaning liquidretained in the cleaning liquid tank 76.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the second bottom plate 151 has a flatplate shape extending in the sloping direction 6 and the left-rightdirection 9. The upper and lower surfaces of the second bottom plate 151are formed in a rectangular shape that is longer in the left-rightdirection than the sloping direction 6. The second edge plate 152 has arectangular frame shape in plan view.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the liquid channel 153 is formed on the uppersurface of the second bottom plate 151. The liquid channel 153 is arecessed groove that is recessed downward from the upper surface of thesecond bottom plate 151 and opens upward. The liquid channel 153 has acontinuous U-shape that extends in the left-right direction 9 and turnsback to make a U-turn in plan view. The liquid channel 153 extends toconnect in series the sponge wipers 64A, 64B, and 64C arranged in aconcave groove. The liquid channel 153 has a first channel 153A, anintermediate channel 153B, and a second channel 153C.

The first channel 153A is positioned upstream in the liquid channel 153in the cleaning liquid flow direction. The first channel 153A is aportion that extends in the left-right direction 9 on the front side ofthe main body 61B.

An intermediate channel 153B is located downstream of the first channel153A in the cleaning liquid flow direction. The intermediate channel153B extends in the forward sloping direction 5 from the downstream endof the first channel 153A to a middle portion in the sloping direction 6of the main body 61B.

The second channel 153C is positioned downstream in the liquid channel153 in the cleaning liquid flow direction. The second channel 153Cextends rightward from the downstream end of the intermediate channel153B.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , an inflow port 171 through which the cleaningliquid flows into the first channel 153A is opened in the inner wallsurface of the groove at the upstream end of the first channel 153A. Oneend of a first supply tube 175 is connected to the inflow port 171. Theother end of the first supply tube 175 extends to the outside of thefirst support mechanism 51, is connected to the cleaning liquid tank 76,and opens at a position lower than the water surface of the cleaningliquid retained in the cleaning liquid tank 76.

An outflow port 174 through which the cleaning liquid flows out isopened in the inner wall surface at the downstream end of the secondchannel 153C. One end of a return tube 176 is connected to the outflowport 174. The other end of the return tube 176 extends to the outside ofthe first support mechanism 51, is connected to the cleaning liquid tank76, and opens at a position higher than the water surface of thecleaning liquid retained in the cleaning liquid tank 76. A return pump75 is provided on the return tube 176 (see FIG. 2 ). Driving of thereturn pump 75 is controlled by the controller 130.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the wiper holder 61C has a sponge wiper 64and a rubber wiper 63. The sponge wiper 64 and the rubber wiper 63 aresupported on the main body 61B by a wiper holder 61C.

[Sponge Wiper 64]

The sponge wiper 64 is made of sponge. In this Embodiment, three spongewipers 64 (64A, 64B, 64C) are provided. Hereinafter, the three spongewipers 64A, 64B, and 64C are also collectively referred to as the spongewiper 64. The sponge wiper 64 is formed in the shape of a rectangularbody whose length in the left-right direction 9 is longer than thelength in the sloping direction 6 and the vertical direction 7. Thelength of the sponge wiper 64 in the vertical direction 7 is longer thanthe length in the sloping direction 6.

The sponge wiper 64A and sponge wiper 64B are arranged in first channel153A of the liquid channel 153. The sponge wiper 64A is arrangedupstream of the sponge wiper 64B. The sponge wiper 64C is arranged inthe second channel 153C of the liquid channel 153.

The sponge wiper 64A, sponge wiper 64B, and sponge wiper 64C correspondto ejecting module 49A, ejecting module 49B, and ejecting module 49C,respectively, in the vertical direction 7. The sponge wiper 64A andsponge wiper 64B are arranged apart from each other in the left-rightdirection 9. The sponge wiper 64C is spaced in a forward slopingdirection 5 from the sponge wipers 64A and 64B. The sponge wiper 64C ispositioned in the middle between the sponge wiper 64A and the spongewiper 64B in the left-right direction 9.

The sponge wiper 64A corresponds to the ejecting module 49A, and canface the ejecting module 49A in the vertical direction 7. As illustratedin FIGS. 5 and 7 , the sponge wiper 64A is arranged on the right side ofthe center in the left-right direction 9 of the first channel 153A.

[Rubber Wiper 63]

The rubber wiper 63 is made of rubber. In this Embodiment, three rubberwipers 63 (63A, 63B, 63C) are provided. Hereinafter, the three rubberwipers 63A, 63B, and 63C are also collectively referred to as the rubberwiper 63.

The rubber wiper 63 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in thevertical direction 7 and the horizontal direction 9. The length of therubber wiper 63 in the sloping direction 6 is shorter than the length ofthe sponge wiper 64 in the sloping direction 6. As a result, the rubberwiper 63 is easily bent when coming into contact with the nozzle surface50 of the ejecting module 49 during the wiping process. The length ofthe rubber wiper 63 in the left-right direction 9 is slightly longerthan the length of the sponge wiper 64 in the left-right direction 9.The length of the rubber wiper 63 from the support base 61 is longerthan the length of the sponge wiper 64 from the support base 61. Therubber wiper 63 is positioned outside in the left-right direction 9relative to both ends of the sponge wiper 64 in the left-right direction9. The upper end of the rubber wiper 63 is tapered. This facilitates theupper end of the rubber wiper 63 coming into contact with the nozzlesurface 50 of the ejecting module 49 during the wiping process.

Rubber wiper 63A and rubber wiper 63B are arranged outside of the liquidchannel 153. The rubber wiper 63A, rubber wiper 63B, and rubber wiper63C correspond to ejecting module 49A, ejecting module 49B, and ejectingmodule 49C, respectively, in the vertical direction 7. The rubber wiper63A, the rubber wiper 63B, and the rubber wiper 63C are arranged on thesupport base 61 at intervals in a backward sloping direction 4 from thesponge wiper 64A, the sponge wiper 64B, and the sponge wiper 64C,respectively.

[Cap 62]

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the cap 62 is supported by the support base61. A plurality of caps 62 are provided. In this Embodiment, the cap 62is composed of three caps 62A, 62B, and 62C. Hereinafter, the three caps62A, 62B, and 62C are also collectively referred to as the cap 62.

The cap 62 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicon. Thecap 62 has a box shape with an open top.

The caps 62A, 62B, and 62C can face the ejecting module 49A, theejecting module 49B, and the ejecting module 49C in the verticaldirection 7, respectively. Cap 62A, cap 62B and cap 62C are spaced inthe forward sloping direction 5 from sponge wiper 64A, sponge wiper 64Band sponge wiper 64C, respectively. Lips 66A, 66B, and 66C (see FIG. 8 )of the caps 62A, 62B, and 62C abut against the nozzle surface 50 to sealinternal spaces 67A, 67B, and 67C when the maintenance mechanism 60 ispositioned at the maintenance position. The caps 62A, 62B and 62Crespectively have cap channels 68A, 68B and 68C that facilitatecommunication between the internal spaces 67A, 67B and 67C and theoutside. The cap channels 68A, 68B, 68C are composed of the supplychannels 20A, 20B, 20C through which the cleaning liquid flows into theinternal spaces 67A, 67B, 67C of the cap 62, and the discharge channels21A, 21B, and 21C (an example of a fourth channel) through which thecleaning liquid flows out from the internal spaces 67A, 67B, 67C of thecleaning liquid caps 62A, 62B, 62C.

Hereinafter, the three lips 66A, 66B, and 66C will also be collectivelyreferred to as lip 66. Furthermore, in a similar manner, the internalspaces 67A, 67B, 67C, the cap channels 68A, 68B, 68C, the supplychannels 20A, 20B, 20C, and the discharge channels 21A, 21B, 21C arealso referred to as internal spaces 67, cap channels 68, supply channels20, and discharge channels 21.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the cap 62A corresponds to the ejectingmodule 49A and can face the ejecting module 49A in the verticaldirection 7. The cap 62A is spaced in the forward sloping direction 5from the sponge wiper 64A. The bottom plate 69 of the cap 62A is formedwith a supply channel 20A through which the cleaning liquid flows intothe cap 62A and a discharge channel 21A through which the cleaningliquid flows out from the cap 62A. One end of a second supply tube 177is connected to the supply channel 20A of the cap 62A. The other end ofthe second supply tube 177 extends outside the maintenance mechanism 60and is connected to the cleaning liquid tank 76 (see FIG. 2 ). One endof a first waste liquid tube 178 is connected to the discharge channel21A. The other end of the first waste liquid tube 178 extends to outsideof the maintenance mechanism 60 and is connected to the waste liquidtank 77 (see FIG. 2 ).

The cap 62B corresponds to the ejecting module 49B and can face theejecting module 49B in the vertical direction 7. The cap 62B is spacedin the forward sloping direction 5 from the sponge wiper 64B. The bottomplate 69 of the cap 62B is formed with a supply channel 20B throughwhich the cleaning liquid flows into the cap 62B and a discharge channel21B through which the cleaning liquid flows out from the cap 62B. Oneend of a third supply tube 179 branched from the second supply tube 177is connected to the supply channel 20B. One end of the second wasteliquid tube 180 is connected to the discharge channel 21B. The other endof the second waste liquid tube 180 merges with the first waste liquidtube 178 outside the maintenance mechanism 60.

The cap 62C corresponds to the ejecting module 49C and can face theejecting module 49C in the vertical direction 7. The cap 62C is spacedin the forward sloping direction 5 from the sponge wiper 64C. The bottomplate 69 of the cap 62C is formed with a supply channel 20C throughwhich the cleaning liquid flows into the cap 62C and a discharge channel21C through which the cleaning liquid flows out from the cap 62C. Oneend of a fourth supply tube 201 branched from the second supply tube 177is connected to the supply channel 20C. One end of the third wasteliquid tube 202 is connected to the discharge channel 21C. The other endof the third waste liquid tube 202 merges with the first waste liquidtube 178 outside the maintenance mechanism 60.

A cap cleaning valve 72 (see FIG. 9 ) is provided on the upstream sideof the branch point for the third supply tube 179 and the fourth supplytube 201 in the second supply tube 177. The opening and closing of thecap cleaning valve 72 is controlled by the controller 130.

The second waste liquid tube 180 and the third waste liquid tube 202 inthe first waste liquid tube 178 are both provided with a suction pump 74(see FIG. 2 ) on the upstream side of the junction. The three suctionpumps 74 are driven by one suction pump motor 58 (see FIG. 10 ).

The total Ta of the volume of the supply channel 20A, the volume of thedischarge channel 21A, the volume upstream of the suction pump 74 in thefirst waste liquid tube 178, and the volume of the internal space of thecap 62A is equivalent to the total Tb of the volume of the supplychannel 20B, the volume of the discharge channel 21B, the volumeupstream of the suction pump 74 in the second waste liquid tube 180, andthe volume of the internal space of the cap 62B, and equivalent to thetotal Tc of the volume of the supply channel 20C, the volume of thedischarge channel 21C, the volume upstream of the suction pump 74 in thethird waste liquid tube 202, and the volume of the internal space of thecap 62C (total Ta=total Tb=total Tc).

[Ink Circuit 113]

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the mounting case 110 and the ejecting module49 are connected by an ink circuit 113. The ink circuit 113 includes anink sub-tank 181, channels 182, 183, 184, an atmosphere channel 185, abypass channel 186, a supply valve 187, a purge shutoff valve 188, abypass valve 189, an atmospheric release valve 190, a positive pressurepump 191, and a liquid level sensor 192.

The ink sub-tank 181 is located above the mounting case 110 in theinternal space of the housing 30. The ink sub-tank 181 retains ink inits internal space. The internal space of the ink sub-tank 181communicates with the ink needle 112 of the mounting case 110 via achannel 182 (an example of a first channel). With the ink tank 34attached to the mounting case 110, the ink retained in the ink tank 34can flow into the ink sub-tank 181 through the channel 182. Furthermore,in a state where the storage liquid tank 11 is attached to the mountingcase 110, the storage liquid retained in the storage liquid tank 11 canflow into the ink sub-tank 181 through the channel 182. A supply valve187 is positioned in the channel 182. The supply valve 187 is controlledby the controller 130 to open and close the channel 182.

The internal space of the ink sub-tank 181 and the inflow port 22 of theejecting module 49 mutually communicate through a channel 183 (anexample of a second channel). Ink or storage liquid retained in theinternal space of the ink sub-tank 181 can be supplied to the ejectingmodule 49 through the channel 183. A positive pressure pump 191 ispositioned in the channel 183. The positive pressure pump 191 operateswhen the controller 130 controls the drive of the pump motor 138 (seeFIG. 10 ).

The internal space of the ink sub-tank 181 and the outflow port 23 ofthe ejecting module 49 mutually communicate through a channel 184 (anexample of a third channel). Ink or storage liquid in the manifold 24 ofthe ejecting module 49 can be discharged to the ink sub-tank 181 throughthe channel 184. A purge shutoff valve 188 is positioned in the channel184. The purge shutoff valve 188 is controlled by the controller 130 toopen and close the channel 184.

A bypass channel 186 connects between the positive pressure pump 191 andthe inflow port 22 in the channel 183 and between the purge shutoffvalve 188 and the ink sub-tank 181 in the channel 184. A bypass valve189 is provided in the bypass channel 186. The bypass valve 189 iscontrolled by the controller 130 to open and close the bypass channel186.

An atmosphere channel 185 enables communication between the internalspace and the outside of the ink sub-tank 181. An atmospheric releasevalve 190 is located in the atmosphere channel 185. The atmosphericrelease valve 190 is controlled by the controller 130 to open and closethe atmosphere channel 185.

A liquid level sensor 192 is positioned in the ink sub-tank 181. Theliquid level sensor 192 detects the presence or absence of ink at aprescribed height in the internal space of the ink sub-tank 181. Theliquid level sensor 192 outputs a detection signal to the controller130. The liquid level sensor 192 outputs an ON signal as a detectionsignal when ink is detected, and outputs an OFF signal as a detectionsignal when ink is not detected. The controller 130 determines whetherthe liquid level in the internal space of the ink sub-tank 181 hasreached a prescribed height based on the detection signal output by theliquid level sensor 192.

A negative pressure pump 193 is connected to the ink sub-tank 181. Thenegative pressure pump 193 reduces pressure in the internal space of theink sub-tank 181 by discharging the gas in the internal space of the inksub-tank 181 to the outside.

[Controller 130]

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the controller 130 has a CPU 131, ROM 132,RAM 133, EEPROM 134 and ASIC 135, which are connected by an internal bus137. The ROM 132 stores programs and the like for controlling variousoperations of the CPU 131. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area fortemporarily recording data, signals, and the like, used when the CPU 131executes the above programs, or used as a working area for dataprocessing. The EEPROM 134 stores settings, flags, and the like thatshould be retained even after the power is turned OFF.

The ASIC 135 connects transport motor 53, head motor 54, first motor 55,second motor 56, return pump motor 47, suction pump motor 58, pumpmotors 138 and 139, shaft motor 59, vertical drive motor 163, operatingpanel 44, display part 44A, contact 114, and liquid level sensor 192.The ASIC 135 is also connected to the cap cleaning valve 72, the supplyvalve 187, the purge shutoff valve 188, the bypass valve 189, and theatmospheric release valve 190. Each valve is connected to the ASIC 135via a drive circuit for driving the valve.

The ASIC 135 generates a drive signal for rotating each motor, andcontrols each motor based on this drive signal. Each motor rotatesforward or backward according to a drive signal from the ASIC 135. Thecontroller 130 controls driving of the transport motor 53 to rotate theholder 35, the transport roller 36A, the transport roller 40A, and thedrive roller 102. The controller 130 controls driving of the head motor54 to rotate the screw shaft 29A and move the head 38 along the verticaldirection 7. The controller 130 controls driving of the shaft motor 59to rotate the first support mechanism 51. The controller 130 controlsdriving of the first motor 55 to rotate the gear 106 of the firstsupport mechanism 51. The controller 130 controls driving of thevertical drive motor 163 to rotate the screw shaft 161 and move thesecond support mechanism 52 along the orthogonal direction 10. Thecontroller 130 controls driving of the second motor 56 to rotate thegear 120 of the second support mechanism 52. The controller 130 controlsthe drive of the return pump motor 78 to drive the return pump 75. Thecontroller 130 controls the drive of the suction pump motor 58 to drivethe three suction pumps 74. The controller 130 controls driving of thepump motor 138 to drive the positive pressure pump 191. The controller130 controls driving of the pump motor 139 to drive the negativepressure pump 193.

The ASIC 35 is connected to the operating panel 44, the display part44A, the contact 114, the liquid level sensor 192, and the piezoelectricelement (not illustrated). The operating panel 44 outputs an operatingsignal to the controller 130 based on the operation by the user. Theoperating panel 44 may have, for example, push buttons, or may have atouch sensor superimposed on the display. The display part 44A displaysthat the lid member 82 is attached to the support member 81. Thecontroller 130 reads or writes to the memory region of the IC substrate70 of the ink tank 34 or the IC substrate 12 of the storage liquid tank11 through the contact 114. The controller 130 receives a detectionsignal from the liquid level sensor 192. The piezoelectric elementoperates by being powered by the controller 130 via a drive circuit (notillustrated). The controller 130 controls power supplied to thepiezoelectric element to selectively eject ink droplets from theplurality of nozzles 38A.

[Ink]

Details of the ink are described below. The ink contains resinmicroparticles, a coloring agent, an organic solvent, a surfactant, andwater. The ink is a water-based ink in which resin microparticles, acoloring agent, and an organic solvent are dissolved in water.

The ink is wet-able to hydrophobic recording media such as coated paper,plastic, film, OHP sheet, and the like, but this is not a limitation.Recording media other than hydrophobic recording media such as normalpaper, glossy paper, matte paper, and the like may be suitable, forexample. “Coated paper” refers to plain paper containing mainly pulp,such as high-grade printing paper and intermediate-grade printing paper,coated with a coating agent to improve smoothness, whiteness, gloss, andthe like. Specific examples include high-grade coated paper,intermediate-grade coated paper, and the like.

For example, the resin microparticles may contain at least one ofmethacrylic acid or acrylic acid as a monomer, including commerciallyavailable products, for example. The resin microparticles may furthercontain, for example, styrene, vinyl chloride, and the like as monomers.The resin microparticles may be included in an emulsion, for example.The emulsion is composed of, for example, resin microparticles and adispersing medium (such as water or the like). The resin microparticlesare not dissolved in the dispersing medium, but are within a specificparticle size range when dispersed. Examples of resin microparticlesinclude acrylic acid resins, maleic acid ester resins, vinyl acetateresins, carbonate resins, polycarbonate resins, styrene resins, ethyleneresins, polyethylene resins, propylene resins, polypropylene resins,urethane resins, polyurethane resins, polyester resins, copolymer resinsthereof, and the like, but acrylic resins are preferred.

As the resin microparticles, for example, a resin having a glasstransition temperature (Tg) in the range of 0° C. or higher and 200° C.or lower is used. More preferably, the glass transition temperature (Tg)is 20° C. or higher and 180° C. or lower, and still more preferably 30°C. or higher and 150° C. or lower.

The emulsion may be a commercially available product, for example.Commercially available products include, for example, “Superflex(registered trademark) 870” (Tg: 71° C.), and “Superflex (registeredtrademark) 150” (Tg: 40° C.) manufactured by DKS Co., Ltd.; “Mowinyl(registered trademark) 6760” (Tg: −28° C.) and “Mowinyl (registeredtrademark) DM774” (Tg: 33° C.) manufactured by Japan Coating Resin Co.,Ltd.; “Polysol (registered trademark) AP-3270N” (Tg: 27° C.)manufactured by Showa Denko K. K.; “Hirose-X (registered trademark)KE-1062” (Tg: 112° C.) and “Hirose-X (registered trademark) QE-1042”(Tg: 69° C.) manufactured by Seiko PMC Co., Ltd.; and the like.

The average particle diameter of the resin microparticles is, forexample, within a range of 30 nm or more and 200 nm or less. The averageparticle size can be measured as the arithmetic mean diameter using, forexample, an LB-550 dynamic light scattering particle size analyzermanufactured by HORIBA, Ltd.

The content (R) of resin microparticles in the total amount of the inkis, for example, preferably in a range of 0.1 wt % or higher and 30 wt %or lower, more preferably in a range of 0.5 wt % or higher and 20 wt %or lower, and particularly preferably within a range of 1.0 wt % orhigher and 15.0 wt % or lower. One type of resin microparticles may beused alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

The coloring agent is a water dispersible pigment, for example, by meansof a resin for pigment dispersion (resin dispersing agent). Examples ofcoloring agents include carbon black, inorganic pigments, organicpigments, and the like. Examples of the carbon black include furnaceblack, lamp black, acetylene black, channel black, and the like.Examples of inorganic pigments include titanium dioxide, iron oxideinorganic pigments, carbon black inorganic pigments, and the like.Examples of the organic pigments include azo pigments such as azo lakes,insoluble azo pigments, condensed azo pigments, and chelated azopigments; polycyclic pigments such as phthalocyanine pigments, peryleneand perinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, quinacridone pigments,dioxazine pigments, thioindigo pigments, isoindolinone pigments,quinophthalone pigments, and the like; dye lake pigments such as basicdye-type lake pigments and acid dye-type lake pigments; nitro pigments;nitroso pigments; aniline black daylight fluorescent pigments; and thelike.

The solid content of the coloring agent in the total amount of ink isnot particularly limited, and can be determined as appropriate dependingon, for example, the desired optical density or chroma. The solidcontent of the coloring agent is, for example, preferably in a range of0.1 wt % or more and 20.0 wt % or less, more preferably in a range of1.0 wt % or more and 15.0 wt % or less. The solid content of thecoloring agent is the weight of the pigment only, and does not includethe weight of the resin microparticles. One type of coloring agent maybe used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

Any organic solvent can be used without any particular limitation.Examples of organic solvents include propylene glycol, ethylene glycol,1,2-butanediol, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycolmonopropyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 1,2-hexanediol,1,6-hexanediol, and the like, but glycol ethers having a propylene oxidegroup are preferred. Examples of other organic solvents include alkylalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl alcohol, ethylalcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, sec-butylalcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, and the like; alkylene glycols where thealkylene group contains 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as ethylene glycol,propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol,1,2,6-hexanetriol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol, and diethylene glycol;lower alkyl ethers of alkylene glycols such as glycerin, ethylene glycolmonomethyl (or ethyl, propyl, butyl) ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl(or ethyl, propyl, butyl) ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl (orethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl) ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl (orethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl) ether, propylene glycol monomethyl (orethyl, propyl, butyl) ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl,propyl, butyl) ether, tripropylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl, propyl,butyl) ether, tetrapropylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether, and thelike; as well as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone,1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone and the like.

Regarding the amount of the organic solvent to the total amount of ink,the amount of organic solvent that individually exists as a liquid at25° C. (also referred to as a “low-solidification-temperature organicsolvent”) is preferably 10 wt % or less, more preferably 9 wt %.

The water is preferably ion-exchanged water or pure water. The watercontent in the total amount of ink is, for example, preferably in therange of 15 wt % or more and 95 wt % or less, more preferably in a rangeof 25 wt % or more and 85 wt % or less. The water content may, forexample, be the remainder with regards to other ingredients.

The ink may also contain conventionally known additives as needed.

Additives include, for example, surfactants, pH adjusters, viscosityadjusters, surface tension adjusters, preservatives, antifungal agents,leveling agents, antifoaming agents, light stabilizers, antioxidants,nozzle drying inhibitors, polymer components such as emulsions, dyes,and the like. Surfactants may further include cationic surfactants,anionic surfactants, or nonionic surfactants. Commercially availableproducts, for example, may be used as these surfactants. Commerciallyavailable products include, for example, “OLFINE (registered trademark)E1010”, “OLFINE (registered trademark) E1006”, “OLFINE (registeredtrademark) E1004”, “Silface SAG503A”, and “Silface SAG002”, manufacturedby Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., and the like. The surfactantcontent in the total amount of ink is, for example, 5 wt % or less, 3 wt% or less, or 0.1 wt % to 2 wt %. Examples of the viscosity adjustingagent include polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, water-soluble resins, andthe like.

The ink can be produced by, for example, uniformly mixing resinmicroparticles, coloring agents, organic solvent, water, and, ifnecessary, other additives by a conventionally known method, and thenremoving insoluble matter with a filter or the like.

[Storage Liquid]

The storage liquid contains a water-soluble polymer, a water-solubleorganic solvent, a surfactant, and water.

Any water-soluble polymer can be used without any particular limitation.Examples of water-soluble polymers include polyvinylpyrrolidone andpolyethylene glycol. Other water-soluble polymers include polyvinylalcohols, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyacrylic acids, styrene-acrylic acidcopolymers, and acrylic acid-acrylic acid ester copolymers. Acommercially available product may be used as the water-soluble polymer.Commercially available products include Joncryl (registered trademark)manufactured by BASF, Aqualic (registered trademark) manufactured byNippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., and Aron (registered trademark) manufacturedby Toagosei Co., Ltd. The water-soluble polymer preferably contains anaromatic alkyl group or lactam group in the structure. The weightaverage molecular weight of the water-soluble polymer is preferablywithin a range of 8,500 to 20,000, more preferably within a range of9,000 to 15,000.

Any water-soluble organic solvent can be used without any particularlimitation. Examples of water-soluble organic solvents include ethyleneoxide, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, propyleneglycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, diethyleneglycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethyleneglycol monobutyl ether, 1,6-hexanediol, and the like, but glycol ethershaving an ethylene oxide group are preferred. Examples of other organicsolvents include alkyl alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such asmethyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol,n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, and the like;alkylene glycols where the alkylene group contains 2 to 6 carbon atoms,such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol, and diethyleneglycol; lower alkyl ethers of alkylene glycols such as glycerin,ethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl, propyl, butyl) ether, diethyleneglycol monomethyl (or ethyl, propyl, butyl) ether, triethylene glycolmonomethyl (or ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl) ether, tetraethylene glycolmonomethyl (or ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl) ether, propylene glycolmonomethyl (or ethyl, propyl, butyl) ether, dipropylene glycolmonomethyl (or ethyl, propyl, butyl) ether, tripropylene glycolmonomethyl (or ethyl, propyl, butyl) ether, tetrapropylene glycolmonomethyl (or ethyl) ether, and the like; as well asN-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinoneand the like.

The water-soluble organic solvent may be used alone, or in a combinationof two or more types. The amount of water-soluble organic solvent in thetotal amount of maintenance liquid is, for example, preferably in arange of 5 wt % or more and 50 wt % or less, more preferably in a rangeof 25 wt % or more and 35 wt % or less.

A commercially available product may be used as the surfactant, forexample. Examples of commercially available anionic surfactants includeSunnol (registered trademark) manufactured by Lion Corporation, Emal(registered trademark) manufactured by Kao Corporation, Sandet(registered trademark) and Beaulight (registered trademark) manufacturedby Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., and the like. One type of anionicsurfactant may be used alone, or a combination of two or more types maybe used. The amount of anionic surfactant in the total amount of storageliquid is, for example, preferably in a range of 0.01 wt % or more and10 wt % or less, more preferably in a range of 0.1 wt % or more and 10wt % or less.

The surfactant included in the storage liquid may be only an anionicsurfactant, or may include a cationic surfactant or a nonionicsurfactant in addition to the anionic surfactant.

The water is preferably ion-exchanged water or pure water. The amount ofwater in the total amount of the storage liquid is, for example, 10% to90% by mass, or 20% to 80% by mass. The water content may, for example,be the remainder with regards to other ingredients.

The storage liquid preferably does not contain a coloring agent, but maycontain a coloring agent. If the maintenance liquid contains a coloringagent, the amount is preferably an amount that does not affect therecorded image.

The storage liquid may also contain conventionally known additives asneeded. Examples of the additives include wetting agents, pH adjustingagents, viscosity adjusting agents, surface tension adjusting agents,anti-mold agents, and the like. Examples of the viscosity adjustingagent include polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, water-soluble resins, andthe like.

The storage liquid can be prepared by, for example, uniformly mixing awater-soluble polymer, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant,and water by a conventionally known method.

The viscosity of the storage liquid is preferably less than theviscosity of the ink. The viscosity of the ink and storage liquid can bemeasured by, for example, a cone-plate rotary viscometer.

The operation of the maintenance mechanism 60 will be described belowtogether with the purging process, the cleaning process, the wipingprocess, and the image recording process. In the present Embodiment, thecleaning liquid is supplied and discharged in conjunction with the aboveprocessing.

[Purge Process and Cleaning Process]

The image recording device 100 is in a standby state when the imagerecording process is not being executed. In the standby state, asillustrated in FIG. 11 , the head 38 is positioned at the cappedposition, the first support mechanism 51 is positioned at the firstorientation while supporting the maintenance mechanism 60, and themaintenance mechanism 60 is positioned at the maintenance position. Atthis time, the cap 62 covers the nozzle surface 50.

In the standby state, the controller 130 executes the purge process at aprescribed timing or upon receiving an external command. The processwhen the controller 130 receives an external command to execute thepurge process while the image recording device 100 is in the standbystate will be described below.

In the purge process, the controller 130 drives the suction pump 74 withthe purge shutoff valve 188 and the bypass valve 189 open, and thesupply valve 187, the atmospheric release valve 190, and the capcleaning valve 72 closed. As a result, the ink inside the nozzle 38A issuctioned out and the ink is discharged from the internal spaces 67A,67B, 67C of the cap 62 through the discharge channels 21A, 21B, 21C,through the first waste liquid tube 178, the second waste liquid tube180, and the third waste liquid tube 202, to the waste liquid tank 77.At this time, since the cap cleaning valve 72 is closed, the cleaningliquid is not supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 76 to the caps 62A,62B, 62C through the second supply tube 177, the third supply tube 179,and the fourth supply tube 201.

The controller 130 executes the cleaning process at a prescribed timing,or when an external command has been received. The process when thecontroller 130 executes the cleaning process, after the purge process isperformed and while the image recording device 100 is in the standbystate will be described below.

In the cleaning process, the controller 130 drives the suction pump 74with the cap cleaning valve 72 open and the supply valve 187, purgeshutoff valve 188, bypass valve 189, and atmospheric release valve 190closed. As a result, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaningliquid tank 76 through the second supply tube 177, the third supply tube179, and the fourth supply tube 201 to the internal spaces of the caps62A, 62B, and 62C. Since the purge shutoff valve 188 and the bypassvalve 189 are closed, no ink is discharged from the nozzle 38A of thehead 38 into the internal spaces of the caps 62A, 62B, 62C.

Next, the controller 130 moves the head 38 to the uncapping position,and drives the suction pump 74 with the cap cleaning valve 72 closed. Asa result, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the internal spaces67A, 67B, 67C of the cap 62 through the discharge channels 21A, 21B,21C, through the first waste liquid tube 178, the second waste liquidtube 180, and the third waste liquid tube 202, to the waste liquid tank77. As a result, ink remaining in the internal spaces 67A, 67B, 67C ofthe cap 62, the discharge channels 21A, 21B, 21C, the first waste liquidtube 178, the second waste liquid tube 180, and the third waste liquidtube 202 is washed away by the cleaning liquid.

Furthermore, the image recording device 100 is in a standby state whenthe image recording process is not being executed, but when enteringstandby state, the controller 130 executes the cleaning liquid supplyingprocess by driving the suction pump 74 in a condition where the capcleaning valve 72 is open, but the supply valve 187, purge shutoff valve188, bypass valve 189 and the atmospheric release valve 190 are closed.As a result, in the cleaning liquid supplying process, the cleaningliquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 76 through the secondsupply tube 177, the third supply tube 179, and the fourth supply tube201 to the internal spaces of the caps 62A, 62B, and 62C. Since thepurge shutoff valve 188 and the bypass valve 189 are closed, no ink isdischarged from the nozzle 38A of the head 38 into the internal spacesof the caps 62A, 62B, 62C.

[Wiping Process]

The controller 130 executes the wiping process with the sponge wipers64A, 64B, and 64C impregnated with the cleaning liquid. The wipingprocess is described below.

In the wiping process, the controller 130 drives the return pump 75. Asa result, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid tank76 to the support base 61 through the first supply tube 175. Thecleaning liquid supplied to the support base 61 flows into the firstchannel 153A in the liquid channel 153 through the inflow port 171. Thecleaning liquid that has flowed into the first channel 153A flowsthrough the intermediate channel 153B and the second channel 153C inorder, and is discharged from the outflow port 174. At this time, thesponge wipers 64A, 64B, and 64C are impregnated with the cleaningliquid, and the sponge wipers 64A, 64B, and 64C are in a state ofcontaining sufficient cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid supplied tothe liquid channel 153 is returned to the cleaning liquid tank 76.

The controller 130 moves the head 38 downward from the uncappingposition indicated by the dashed line to the wiping position indicatedby the solid line in FIG. 12 .

The maintenance mechanism 60 at the maintenance position is supported bythe first support mechanism 51, and at this time, the rack 154 is meshedwith the gear 105. When the first motor 55 is driven in this state andthe gear 106 rotates clockwise in FIG. 11 , the gear 105 rotatescounterclockwise in FIG. 11 . As a result, the maintenance mechanism 60at the maintenance position moves forward (downstream in the transportdirection 8A) along the front-to-back direction 8 (transport direction8A) and reaches the wiping position (see FIG. 12 ).

In the process of moving the maintenance mechanism 60 from themaintenance position to the wiping position, the tip end parts (upperend part) of the sponge wiper 64 and the rubber wiper 63 contact thenozzle surface 50 and slide against the nozzle surface 50 of theejecting module 49. Specifically, the sponge wipers 64A, 64B, 64C andthe rubber wipers 63A, 63B, 63C slide in contact with the nozzlesurfaces 50 of the ejecting modules 49A, 49B, 49C. As a result, thenozzle surfaces 50 of the ejecting modules 49A, 49B, 49C are wiped bythe sponge wipers 64A, 64B, 64C and then wiped by the rubber wipers 63A,63B, 63C. As a result, foreign substances and the like attached to thenozzle surface 50 and the nozzle 38A opened in the nozzle surface 50 areremoved.

When the maintenance mechanism 60 is at the wiping position, the firstmotor 55 is driven to rotate the gear 106 counterclockwise in FIG. 12 ,which causes the gear 105 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 12 . As a result,the maintenance mechanism 60 at the wiping position moves back (upstreamin the transport direction 8A) and reaches the maintenance position (seeFIG. 11 ).

The controller 130 drives the shaft motor 59 to change the orientationof the first support mechanism 51 from the first orientation to thesecond orientation (see FIG. 13 ).

[Movement of Maintenance Mechanism 60]

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the maintenance mechanism 60 canmove to the standby position along the sloping direction 6 by slidingand moving with regard to the first support mechanism 51 in the secondorientation and the second support mechanism 52 while being supported bythe first support mechanism 51 and the second support mechanism 52. Inother words, the first support mechanism 51 and the second supportmechanism 52 can support the maintenance mechanism 60 at the maintenanceposition, the standby position, and at a position between these twopositions.

Specifically, the controller 130 first drives the first motor 55.Therefore, the gear 106 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 19 ,so the gear 105 rotates counterclockwise, and the maintenance mechanism60 at the maintenance position moves in the forward sloping direction 5and is received on the second support mechanism 52.

The controller 130 drives the second motor 56. Therefore, the gear 120rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 20 , so gears 118 and 119rotate counterclockwise, and the maintenance mechanism 60 that has slidfrom the first support mechanism 51 arrives at the standby position onthe second support mechanism 52 (see FIG. 14 ).

The controller 130 drives the vertical drive motor 163. As a result, thescrew shaft 161 rotates, so the second support mechanism 52 moves fromthe standby position upward along the orthogonal direction 10, and themaintenance mechanism 60 reaches the retracted position. As a result,the lips 66A, 66B, 66C of the caps 62A, 62B, 62C and the rubber wipers63A, 63B, 63C come into contact with the wiper cleaning mechanism 80.

[Image Recording Process]

The process when an image is recorded on the sheet S (image recordingprocess) will be described below.

When the controller 130 receives a command to record an image on thesheet S from an external device such as the operating panel 44 or aninformation processing device connected to the image recording device100 via a LAN or the like, the controller 130 moves the maintenancemechanism 60 as described above from the maintenance position to thestandby position. The controller 130 then drives the vertical drivemotor 163 to move the maintenance mechanism 60 from the standby positionto the retracted position. The controller 130 drives the shaft motor 59to change the position of the first support mechanism 51 from the secondorientation to the first orientation.

The controller 130 then moves the head 38 downward from the cappedposition to the recording position. Furthermore, the sheet S begins tomove, and the ink is ejected from the nozzles 38A while the sheet S ispositioned directly below the head 38. Thus, an image is recorded on thesheet S. The ink that has adhered to the sheet S is fixed to the sheet Sby being heated when passing through the heater 39. Furthermore, afterthe CIS 25 checks the recorded image, the transported sheet S is cutinto a prescribed size by the cutter unit 26, and discharged.

After the image recording process on the sheet S, a process that is thereverse of that described above is performed when the maintenancemechanism 60 moves to the maintenance position.

During the image recording process, an ink circulation process isexecuted to circulate ink between the ink sub-tank 181 and the ejectingmodule 49. The controller 130 closes the bypass valve 189 and the supplyvalve 187, and drives the positive pressure pump 191. When the positivepressure pump 191 is driven, ink is supplied from the ink sub-tank 181to the ejecting module 49 through the channel 183. Ink that has flowedinto the manifold 24 from the inflow port 22 of the ejecting module 49returns to the ink sub-tank 181 through the channel 184 from the outflowport 23. In other words, the ink circulates between the ink sub-tank 181and the ejecting module 49.

[Storage Process]

The storage process will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15and 16 . The storage process is executed in the image recording device100 when the user gives instructions to execute the storage process. Acase where the user gives instructions to execute the storage processis, for example, when the image recording device 100 is not going to beused for a long period of time. A long period of time is, for example,one month or more, but this is not a limitation.

The image recording device 100 is in a standby state. In the standbystate, when the controller 130 receives a storage instruction commandbased on an input from the operating panel 44, the controller 130transitions to storage mode, and executes the storage process. When thestorage instruction command is received, the controller 130 displays onthe display part 44A of the operating panel 44 that the storage mode isset and that the ink tank 34 is not to be removed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the controller 130 drives thetransport motor 53 in the opposite direction for a certain period oftime to rotate the drive roller 102, the holder 35, and the transportrollers 36A and 40A in the direction opposite to the transport direction8A. (S10). As a result, the sheet S positioned on the transport path 43is moved in the direction opposite to the transport direction 8A and isrolled around the roll body 37.

After stopping the transport motor 53, the controller 130 determineswhether the ink tank 34 is attached to the mounting case 110 (S11).Specifically, by reading the identification information stored in therecording region of the IC substrate 70 through the contact 114, it isdetermined whether or not the ink tank 34 is attached to the mountingcase 110. If the controller 130 determines that the ink tank 34 is notattached to the mounting case 110 (S11: No), the controller 130 displaysinstructions on the display part 44A to attach the ink tank 34, andwaits until the ink tank 34 is attached.

If the controller 130 determines that the ink tank 34 is attached to themounting case 110 (S11: Yes), the controller 130 opens the supply valve187 and the atmospheric release valve 190 (S12, an example of the returnprocess). As a result, the ink retained in the ink sub-tank 181 isreturned to the ink tank 34 through the channel 182 due to gravity, andno ink is retained in the ink sub-tank 181. It should be noted that theink in the ink sub-tank 181 does not have to run out completely. Forexample, the ink below the position where the channel 182 opens into theinternal space of the ink sub-tank 181 does not return to the ink tank34 due to gravity, and a small amount of the ink may remain in theinternal space of the ink sub-tank 181.

The controller 130 opens the purge shutoff valve 188, the bypass valve189, and the atmospheric release valve 190, and closes the supply valve187 and the cap cleaning valve 72 (S12-1). Then, the controller 130drives the suction pump 74 for a certain period of time (S12-2, anexample of a first discharge process). When the suction pump 74 isdriven, the internal space 67 of the cap 62 becomes negative pressure,the ink remained in the channels 183, 184, and 186 is discharged fromthe ejecting module 49 into the internal space 67 of the cap 62 throughthe manifold 24 and the nozzle 38A, and further discharged into thewaste liquid tank 77 through the channel 178. Since the supply valve 187is closed, ink retained in the ink tank 34 is not supplied to the inksub-tank 181. Thus, ink remained in the channels 183, 184, and 186,manifold 24, nozzle 38A, the internal space 67 of the cap 62 isdischarged into the waste liquid tank 77 through the channel 178.

When the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 192 of the inksub-tank 181 is an OFF signal (S13: Yes), the controller 130 providesinstructions on the display part 44A to install the storage liquid tank11 instead of the ink tank 34, and determines whether the storage liquidtank 11 is attached to the mounting case 110 (S14). Specifically, adetermination is made as to whether or not the storage liquid tank 11 isattached to the mounting case 110 by reading the identificationinformation stored in the recording region of the IC substrate 12through the contact 114. If the controller 130 determines that thestorage liquid tank 11 is not attached to the mounting case 110 (S14:No), the controller 130 displays instructions on the display part 44A toattach the storage liquid tank 11, and waits until the storage liquidtank 11 is attached.

In response to the determination that the storage liquid tank 11 isattached to the mounting case 110 (S14: Yes), the controller 130 closesthe cap cleaning valve 72, the purge shutoff valve 188, the bypass valve189, and the atmospheric release valve 190 (S15). Next, the controller130 drives the negative pressure pump 193 (S16, an example of a storageliquid supplying process).

When the negative pressure pump 193 is driven, the internal space of theink sub-tank 181 becomes negative pressure, and the storage liquidretained in the storage liquid tank 11 is supplied to the ink sub-tank181 through the channel 182.

If the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 192 of the inksub-tank 181 is an OFF signal (S17: No), the controller 130 continuesdriving the negative pressure pump 193 (S16). If the detection signal ofthe liquid level sensor 192 is an ON signal (S17: Yes), the controller130 stops driving the negative pressure pump 193 (S18). If the liquidlevel sensor 192 is an ON signal, the storage liquid is retained up to aprescribed height in the ink sub-tank 181.

Next, the controller 130 closes the bypass valve 189 and the supplyvalve 187 (S19), and drives the positive pressure pump 191 for a certainperiod of time (S20, an example of a storage liquid circulationprocess). When the positive pressure pump 191 is driven, storage liquidis supplied from the ink sub-tank 181 to the ejecting module 49 throughthe channel 183. The storage liquid that has flowed into the manifold 24from the inflow port 22 of the ejecting module 49 returns to the inksub-tank 181 through the channel 184 from the outflow port 23. In otherwords, the storage liquid circulates between the ink sub-tank 181 andthe ejecting module 49. Since the inner diameter of the nozzle 38A issmall and the internal space 67 of the cap 62 is not under negativepressure, it is difficult for the storage liquid to enter the nozzle 38Afrom the manifold 24 in the ejecting module 49.

After stopping the positive pressure pump 191, the controller 130 opensthe supply valve 187 and the bypass valve 189 (S21). After that, thecontroller 130 drives the suction pump 74 for a certain period of time(S22, an example of the second discharging process). When the suctionpump 74 is driven, the internal space 67 of the cap 62 becomes negativepressure, the storage liquid is discharged from the ejecting module 49into the internal space 67 of the cap 62 through the nozzle 38A, and thestorage liquid flows through the channel 178 and is discharged into thewaste liquid tank 77. In conjunction, the storage liquid is suppliedfrom the ink sub-tank 181 to the ejecting module 49 through the channels183 and 184. Furthermore, the storage liquid retained in the storageliquid tank 11 is supplied to the ink sub-tank 181 through the channel182.

After stopping the suction pump 74, the controller 130 increments therepetition number N by 1 (N=N+1, S23), and determines whether the numberof repetitions N is a threshold value (S24). The threshold is preset andstored in the EEPROM 134 of the controller 130, and for example, may bethree times.

In response to determining that the number of repetitions N is not atthe threshold value (S24: No), the controller 130 closes the capcleaning valve 72 and the supply valve 187, and opens the purge shutoffvalve 188, the bypass valve 189, and the atmospheric release valve 190(S25). Next, the controller 130 drives the suction pump 74 (S26).

When the suction pump 74 is driven, the internal space 67 of the cap 62becomes negative pressure, and the storage liquid is discharged from theejecting module 49 into the internal space 67 of the cap 62 through thenozzle 38A. In conjunction, the storage liquid moves from the inksub-tank 181 to the ejecting module 49 through the channels 183 and 184,is similarly discharged into the internal space 67 of the cap 62 throughthe nozzle 38A, and is discharged through the channel 178 into the wasteliquid tank 77. Since the cap cleaning valve 72 is closed, the cleaningliquid is not supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 76 to the cap 62.

If the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 192 of the inksub-tank 181 is not an OFF signal (S27: No), the controller 130continues driving the suction pump 74 (S26). If the detection signal ofthe liquid level sensor 192 is an OFF signal (S27: Yes), the controller130 drives the suction pump 74 for a certain period of time beforestopping (S28). If the liquid level sensor 192 outputs an OFF signal,the liquid level of the storage liquid in the ink sub-tank 181 is belowa prescribed level, and therefore the suction pump 74 is driven, andthereby the storage liquid retained in the ink sub-tank 181 is mostlydischarged to the waste liquid tank 77. Note that since the supply valve187 is closed, the storage liquid is not supplied from the storageliquid tank 11 to the ink sub-tank 181. The controller 130 then executessteps S15 through S24.

If the controller 130 determines that the number of iterations N is thethreshold value (S24: Yes), the number of iterations N is reset, the capcleaning valve 72 is opened (S29), and the suction pump 74 is driven fora certain period of time (S30, an example of the cleaning process). As aresult, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 76through the second supply tube 177 to the internal space 67 of the cap62, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the internal space 67through the first waste liquid tube 178 to the waste liquid tank 77.

After stopping the suction pump 74, the controller 130 updates thestorage flag stored in the EEPROM 134 to ON (S31), and powers OFF theimage recording device 100 (S32). This completes the storage process.

[Resume Process]

The resume process will be described below with reference to FIGS. 17and 18 . The resume process is performed when the user decides to resumeuse of the image recording device 100 in the storage state, and turns ONthe power of the image recording device 100.

The image recording device 100 is in a storage state and a standbystate. In the storage state and the standby state, the controller 130receives the power ON instruction from the user and executes the resumeprocess. The controller 130 displays a message indicating that the inktank 34 is to be installed on the display part 44A.

As illustrated in FIG. 16 , the controller 130 determines whether thestorage flag stored in EEPROM 134 is ON (S40). If the controller 130determines that the storage flag is not ON (S40: No), the controller 130maintains the standby state (S61).

Upon determining that the storage flag is ON (S40: Yes), the controller130 determines whether the ink tank 34 is attached to the mounting case110 (S41). Specifically, by reading the identification informationstored in the recording region of the IC substrate 70 through thecontact 114, it is determined whether or not the ink tank 34 is attachedto the mounting case 110. If the controller 130 determines that the inktank 34 is not attached to the mounting case 110 (S41: No), thecontroller 130 displays instructions on the display part 44A to attachthe ink tank 34, and waits until the ink tank 34 is attached.

In response to the determination that the ink tank 34 is attached to themounting case 110 (S41: Yes), the controller 130 opens the purge shutoffvalve 188, the bypass valve 189, and the atmospheric release valve 190,and closes the cap cleaning valve 72 and the supply valve 187 (S42).Next, the controller 130 drives the suction pump 74 (S43).

When the suction pump 74 is driven, the internal space 67 of the cap 62becomes negative pressure, and the storage liquid is discharged from theejecting module 49 into the internal space 67 of the cap 62 through thenozzle 38A. In conjunction, the storage liquid moves from the inksub-tank 181 to the ejecting module 49 through the channels 183 and 184,is similarly discharged into the internal space 67 of the cap 62 throughthe nozzle 38A, and is discharged through the channel 178 into the wasteliquid tank 77. Since the cap cleaning valve 72 is closed, the cleaningliquid is not supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 76 to the cap 62.Furthermore, since the supply valve 187 is closed, ink is not suppliedfrom the ink tank 34 to the ink sub-tank 181.

If the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 192 of the inksub-tank 181 is not an OFF signal (S44: No), the controller 130continues driving the suction pump 74 (S43). If the detection signal ofthe liquid level sensor 192 is an OFF signal (S44: Yes), the controller130 drives the suction pump 74 for a certain period of time beforestopping (S45). If the liquid level sensor 192 outputs an OFF signal,the liquid level of the storage liquid in the ink sub-tank 181 is belowa prescribed level, and therefore the suction pump 74 is driven, andthereby the storage liquid retained in the ink sub-tank 181 is mostlydischarged to the waste liquid tank 77. Note that since the supply valve187 is closed, ink is not supplied from the ink tank 34 to the inksub-tank 181.

After stopping the suction pump 74, the controller 130 closes the purgeshutoff valve 188, the bypass valve 189, and the atmospheric releasevalve 190, and opens the supply valve 187 (S46). Next, the controller130 drives the negative pressure pump 193 (S47).

When the negative pressure pump 193 is driven, the internal space of theink sub-tank 181 becomes negative pressure, and the ink retained in theink tank 34 is supplied to the ink sub-tank 181 through the channel 182.

If the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 192 of the inksub-tank 181 is an OFF signal (S48: No), the controller 130 continuesdriving the negative pressure pump 193 (S47). If the detection signal ofthe liquid level sensor 192 is an ON signal (S48: Yes), the controller130 stops driving the negative pressure pump 193 (S49). If the liquidlevel sensor 192 is an ON signal, the ink is retained up to a prescribedheight in the ink sub-tank 181.

The controller 130 closes the bypass valve 189 and the supply valve 187(S50), and drives the positive pressure pump 191 for a certain period oftime (S51). When the positive pressure pump 191 is driven, ink issupplied from the ink sub-tank 181 to the ejecting module 49 through thechannel 183. Ink that has flowed into the manifold 24 from the inflowport 22 of the ejecting module 49 returns to the ink sub-tank 181through the channel 184 from the outflow port 23. In other words, theink circulates between the ink sub-tank 181 and the ejecting module 49.Since the inner diameter of the nozzle 38A is small and the internalspace 67 of the cap 62 is not under negative pressure, it is difficultfor the ink to enter the nozzle 38A from the manifold 24 in the ejectingmodule 49.

After stopping the positive pressure pump 191, the controller 130 opensthe bypass valve 189 (S52). After that, the controller 130 drives thesuction pump 74 for a certain period of time (S53). When the suctionpump 74 is driven, the internal space 67 of the cap 62 becomes negativepressure, the ink is discharged from the ejecting module 49 into theinternal space 67 of the cap 62 through the nozzle 38A, and the inkflows through the channel 178 and is discharged into the waste liquidtank 77. In conjunction, the ink is supplied from the ink sub-tank 181to the ejecting module 49 through the channels 183 and 184. Furthermore,the ink retained in the storage liquid tank 11 is supplied to the inksub-tank 181 through the channel 182.

After stopping the suction pump 74, the controller 130 increments therepetition number N by 1 (N=N+1, S54), and determines whether the numberof repetitions N is a threshold value (S55). The threshold is preset andstored in the EEPROM 134 of the controller 130, and for example, may bethree times.

In response to determining that the number of repetitions N is not atthe threshold value (S55: No), the controller 130 closes the capcleaning valve 72, the atmospheric release valve 190, and the supplyvalve 187, and opens the purge shutoff valve 188, the bypass valve 189,and the atmospheric release valve 190 (S56). Next, the controller 130drives the suction pump 74 (S57).

When the suction pump 74 is driven, the internal space 67 of the cap 62becomes negative pressure, and the ink is discharged from the ejectingmodule 49 into the internal space 67 of the cap 62 through the nozzle38A. In conjunction, the ink moves from the ink sub-tank 181 to theejecting module 49 through the channels 183 and 184, is similarlydischarged into the internal space 67 of the cap 62 through the nozzle38A, and the ink is discharged through the channel 178 into the wasteliquid tank 77. Since the cap cleaning valve 72 is closed, the cleaningliquid is not supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 76 to the cap 62.

If the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 192 of the inksub-tank 181 is not an OFF signal (S58: No), the controller 130continues driving the suction pump 74 (S57). If the detection signal ofthe liquid level sensor 192 is an OFF signal (S58: Yes), the controller130 drives the suction pump 74 for a certain period of time beforestopping (S59). If the liquid level sensor 192 outputs an OFF signal,the liquid level of the ink in the ink sub-tank 181 is below aprescribed level, and therefore the suction pump 74 is driven, andthereby the ink retained in the ink sub-tank 181 is mostly discharged tothe waste liquid tank 77. Note that since the supply valve 187 isclosed, ink is not supplied from the ink tank 34 to the ink sub-tank181. Next, the controller 130 executes steps S46 to S55.

If the controller 130 determines that the number of repetitions N is atthe threshold value (S55: Yes), the controller 130 resets the number ofrepetitions N, updates the storage flag stored in the EEPROM 134 to OFF(S60), and enters standby state (S61). This completes the resumeprocess.

[Action and Effect of the Embodiment]

With the aforementioned Embodiment, the ink with excellent fast dryingproperties on the recording medium has excellent replacement propertiesfor being replaced with the storage liquid, and the redispersibility isexcellent when re-dispersing the solid dried ink in the solvent again.

Furthermore, the user can replace the ink in the ejecting module 49 withstorage liquid at arbitrary timing. Thereby, the user can place theimage recording device 100 in a storage state based on the schedule ofuse by the user.

In addition, since the ink in the ink sub-tank 181 is returned to theink tank 34 in the storage process, less ink is discarded duringstorage. In addition, the ink in the ejecting module 49 and the channels182, 183, 184 can easily be replaced with the storage liquid.

Furthermore, during the storage process, a process of supplying thestorage liquid from the storage liquid tank 11 to the ink sub-tank 181and a process of circulating the storage liquid between the ejectingmodules 49 and the ink sub-tank 181 are executed, and therefore the inkremaining in the ink sub-tank 181, the ejecting module 49, and thechannels 183 and 184 is dispersed in the storage liquid.

In the storage process, a process where the storage liquid is dischargedfrom the ejecting module 49, a process where the storage liquid issupplied from the storage liquid tank 11 to the ink sub-tank 181, and aprocess where the storage liquid is circulated between the ink sub-tank181 the ejecting module 49, are repeatedly executed and therefore therate of replacing the ink remaining in the ink sub-tank 181, theejecting module 49, and the channels 183 and 184 with the storage liquidwill increase.

Furthermore, since the storage liquid is not returned from the inksub-tank 181 to the storage liquid tank 11 in the storage process, andthere is no way for the storage liquid that is mixed with the ink fromthe storage liquid tank to be used in the subsequent storage process.

MODIFIED EXAMPLES

In the image recording device 100, the support base 61 is provided withthe three caps 62A, 62B, and 62C, but the number of caps 62 is notparticularly limited so long as it corresponds to the number of theejecting modules 49A. For example, the number of caps 62 may be four ormore, or two or less. Furthermore, the sponge wiper 64 and the rubberwiper 63 are not essential components.

In the image recording device 100, the maintenance mechanism 60 movesalong the front-to-back direction 8, but the movement of the maintenancemechanism 60 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the ejectingmodule 49 may move relative to the maintenance mechanism 60.

With the image recording device 100, the ink tank 34 and the storageliquid tank 11 are separate and can be replaced on the mounting case110, but the ink tank 34 and the storage liquid tank 11 can beconfigured as one piece, and attached to the mounting case 110.

It should be noted that the storage process and the resume process maybe executed on the condition that an input or the like to the imagerecording device 100 has not been performed for a certain period oftime, in addition to being executed based on instructions from a user.In this case, the resume process may be executed on the condition that aprint instruction command is accepted, for example. However, when theimage recording device 100 is not used for a long period of time, it isassumed that the image recording device 100 will not receive power dueto, for example, being unplugged. Furthermore, it is assumed that thecontroller 130 will also not function due to loss of power. Therefore,it would be convenient if the storage process can be executed based onthe convenience of the user.

Further, the positive pressure pump 191 in addition to the suction pump74 can be driven in the first discharge process and the second dischargeprocess.

In addition, with the above Embodiments, the ink is described as anexample of the liquid, but instead of ink, for example, the liquid canbe a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto the paper prior to the inkduring printing, or a post-treatment liquid for overcoating ink that hasalready adhered to the paper. Furthermore, the storage liquid may beused as a cleaning liquid for cleaning the head 38.

EXAMPLES

Examples of the present disclosure are given below.

[Pigment Dispersion A]

Pure water was added to a mixture of 20 wt % of pigment (carbon black)and 7 wt % of a sodium hydroxide neutralized product of astyrene-acrylic acid copolymer (acid value of 175 mg KOH/g, molecularweight of 10,000) to achieve a total of 100 wt %, and then the mixturewas stirred to obtain a mixture. The mixture was placed in a wet sandmill filled with 0.3 mm diameter zirconia beads and dispersed for 6hours. Afterwards, the zirconia beads were removed by a separator andfiltered through a 3.0 μm pore diameter cellulose acetate filter toobtain pigment dispersion A. Note that the styrene-acrylic acidcopolymer is a water-soluble polymer that is generally used as a pigmentdispersing agent.

Example 1: Water-Based Ink

Pigment dispersion liquid A contains carbon black having the pigmentsolid content of 5 wt %, 10.0 wt % of Mowinyl 6899D (Tg=49° C., 46 wt %)as resin microparticles, 5.0 wt % of 1,2-hexanediol (liquid at 25° C.)and 2.0 wt % of dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether (liquid at 25° C.)as organic solvents, 2.0 wt % of Silface SAG503A as a surfactant, anddeionized water as the remainder. This was used as water-based ink.

Example 2: Water-Based Ink

The same composition as in Example 1 was prepared, except that 7.0 wt %of 1,2-hexanediol (liquid at 25° C.) and 3.0 wt % of dipropylene glycolmonopropyl ether (liquid at 25° C.) were used as the organic solvents.

Example 3: Water-Based Ink

The same composition as in Example 1 was prepared, except that 8.0 wt %of 1,2-hexanediol (liquid at 25° C.) and 3.0 wt % of dipropylene glycolmonopropyl ether (liquid at 25° C.) were used as the organic solvents.

Example 4: Water-Based Ink

The same composition as in Example 1 was prepared, except that 5.0 wt %of 1,2-hexanediol (liquid at 25° C.) and 2.0 wt % of propylene glycolmonobutyl ether (liquid at 25° C.) were used as the organic solvents.

Example 5: Water-Based Ink

The same composition as in Example 1 was prepared, except that 5.0 wt %of 1,2-hexanediol (liquid at 25° C.) and 2.0 wt % of triethylene glycolmonobutyl ether (liquid at 25° C.) were used as the organic solvents.

Example 6: Water-Based Ink

The composition was the same as in Example 1 except that 11.0 wt % ofMowinyl 6969D (Tg=71° C., 42 wt %) was used as the resin microparticles.

Example 7: Water-Based Ink

The composition was the same as in Example 1 except that 15.3 wt % ofSuperflex 820 (Tg=46° C., 30 wt %) was used as the resin microparticles.

Example 8: Water-Based Ink

The same composition as in Example 1 was prepared, except that 7.0 wt %of 1,2-hexanediol (liquid at 25° C.), 1.0 wt % of 1,6-hexanediol (solidat 25° C.), and 3.0 wt % of dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether (liquidat 25° C.) were used as the organic solvents.

Example 11: Storage Liquid

A solution of 0.2 wt % of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, weight averagemolecular weight 10,000) as a water-soluble polymer, 40.0 wt % ofglycerin as a wetting agent, 5.0 wt % of triethylene glycol monobutylether as an organic solvent, 3.0 wt % of Sunnol NL-1430 (28 wt %) as asurfactant, and deionized water as the remainder was used as the storageliquid.

Example 12: Storage Liquid

The composition was the same as in Example 11 except that 0.6 wt % ofJoncryl 62 (weight average molecular weight 8,500, 34 wt %) was used asthe water-soluble polymer.

Example 13: Storage Liquid

The composition was the same as in Example 11 except that 0.2 wt % ofpolyethylene glycol 20000 (weight average molecular weight: 20,000) wasused as the water-soluble polymer.

Example 14: Storage Liquid

The composition was the same as in Example 11 except that 0.4 wt % ofJoncryl 57 (weight average molecular weight 4900, 45 wt %) was used asthe water-soluble polymer.

Example 15: Storage Liquid

The composition was the same as in Example 11 except that 0.2 wt % ofpolyethylene glycol 35000 (weight average molecular weight: 35,000) wasused as the water-soluble polymer.

Example 16: Storage Liquid

The composition was the same as in Example 11 except that 5.0 wt % ofdiethylene glycol monobutyl ether was used as the organic solvent.

Example 17: Storage Liquid

The composition was the same as in Example 11 except that 5.0 wt % ofdipropylene glycol monopropyl ether was used as the organic solvent.

Example 18: Storage Liquid

The composition was the same as in Example 11, except that 3.0 wt % ofOlfine E1010 was used as a surfactant.

Comparative Example 1: Water-Based Ink

Pigment dispersion liquid A containing carbon black having a content of5 wt % as the pigment solid content, no resin microparticles, 5.0 wt %of 1,2-hexanediol (liquid at 25° C.) and 2.0 wt % of dipropylene glycolmonopropyl ether (liquid at 25° C.) as organic solvents, 2.0 wt % ofSilface SAG002 as a surfactant, and deionized water as the remainder wasused as a water-based ink.

Comparative Example 2: Water-Based Ink

A pigment dispersion A containing carbon black having the pigment solidcontent of 5 wt %, 10.0 wt % of Mowinyl 6899D (Tg=49° C.) as the resinmicroparticles, no organic solvent, 2.0 wt % of Silface SAG002 as asurfactant, and deionized water as the remainder was used as awater-based ink.

Comparative Example 11: Storage Liquid

The storage liquid did not contain a water-soluble polymer, but didcontain 40.0 wt % of glycerin as a wetting agent, 5.0 wt % oftriethylene glycol monobutyl ether as an organic solvent, and 3.0 wt %of Sunnol NL-1430 as a surfactant, and deionized water as the remainder.

Comparative Example 12: Storage Liquid

A solution of 0.2 wt % of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, weight averagemolecular weight 10,000) as a water-soluble polymer, 40.0 wt % ofglycerin as a wetting agent, 5.0 wt % of triethylene glycol monobutylether as an organic solvent, no surfactant, and deionized water as theremainder was used as the storage liquid.

[Print Method]

A water-based ink film was formed on a coated paper by ejecting thewater-based ink onto a coated paper using the image recording device 100and heating with a heater.

[Rapid Drying Test]

The coated paper on which the water-based ink film was formed was rubbedwith a cotton swab, and the stain was visually evaluated according tothe following evaluation criteria.

-   -   A: No stain when rubbed immediately after heating    -   B: No stain when rubbed 2 seconds after heating    -   C: No stain when rubbed 5 seconds after heating    -   D: Staining occurred when rubbed 10 seconds after heating.

[Redispersibility Test]

The water-based ink and the storage liquid were mixed at a ratio of10:90 or 5:95, and 12 μL of the mixture was dropped onto a flat platemade of polypropylene and left for 7 days in an environment at atemperature of 60° C. and 30% humidity. After allowing to sit, 20 mL ofpure water was added drop wise to the condensed mixed liquid, and aftermanual vibration was applied, a visual judgment was made according tothe following evaluation criteria.

-   -   A: No dry solid in the liquid when observed with an optical        microscope with a magnification of 200 times    -   B: No dry solids in the liquid during visual observation    -   C: 50% or more of the total dry solids are dispersed in the        liquid after pure water is added by drops, based on visual        observation.    -   D: Less than 50% of the total dry solids are dispersed in the        liquid after pure water is added by drops, based on visual        observation.

[Replacement Test]

The ink tank 34 was attached to the image recording device 100 and imagerecording was performed. In the image recording device 100, a storageprocess (repeated once) was executed using a storage liquid, and thereplacement rate of the liquid in the ink sub-tank 181 after executionwas measured. The replacement rate was determined by measuring theabsorbance (500 nm) of the liquid after replacement, using anabsorptiometer (Shimadzu Corporation, UV-3600), and the ratio to theabsorbance of the aqueous ink alone (1-absorbance of the liquid afterreplacement/absorbance of only water-based ink) was calculated.

-   -   A: The substitution rate was 90% or more    -   B: The substitution rate was less than 90% and 80% or more

[Results of Quick-Drying Test]

Table 1 shows the quick-drying test results of Examples 1 to 8 andComparative Examples 1 and 2. As illustrated in Table 1, the evaluationsof Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were D, whereas the evaluation ofExamples 1 to 8 were A to C, indicating that the quick-drying propertiesof the water-based inks of Examples 1 to 8 are excellent. Acrylic resinmicroparticles contained in water-based ink are superior forquick-drying properties, have favorable storage stability, and have highabrasion resistance due to the high hardness of the film, as comparedwith other resin microparticles such as urethane resin microparticles.

Furthermore, Examples 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 containing glycol ether having apropylene oxide group as the organic solvent were superior forquick-drying properties as compared to Example 5, in which the organicsolvent did not contain a glycol ether having a propylene oxide group.Glycol ether having a propylene oxide group contained in a water-basedink is considered to be excellent for quick-drying properties because ithas a film-enhancing effect on the resin microparticles. Furthermore,Examples 1, 2, 4, and 6 to 8, in which the ratio of organic solvent thatis liquid at 25° C. to the total amount of solvent was 10% or less, wereparticularly excellent for quick-drying properties. Water-based ink witha large liquid component will require a lot of time to lose fluiditywhen adhered to a paper surface and this is considered to be why quickdrying properties thereof are inferior.

TABLE 1 Comparative Example Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 Pigment Carbon5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 black Resin Mowinyl 10.0 10.010.0 10.0 10.0 — — 10.0 — 10.0 microparticles 6899D (wt %) (Tg-49° C.,46 wt %) Mowinyl — — — — — 11.0 — — — — 6969D (Tg-71° C., 42 wt %)Superflex — — — — — — 15.3 — — — 820 (Tg-46° C., 30 wt %) Organic 1,2-5.0 7.0 8.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 7.0 5.0 — solvent hexanediol (wt %) (liquidat 25° C.) 1,6- — — — — — — — 1.0 — hexanediol (solid at 25° C.)Dipropylene 2.0 3.0 3.0 — — 2.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 — glycol monopropyl ether(liquid at 25° C.) Propylene — — — 2.0 — — — — — — glycol monobutylether (liquid at 25° C.) Triethylene — — — — 2.0 — — — — — glycolmonobutyl ether (liquid at 25° C.) Surfactant Silface 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.02.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 (wt %) SAG503A Olfine — — — — — — — — — — E1004Solvent Water Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem (wt %) Rem:Remainder Total amount 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Viscosity(mPa · s) 4.6 5.0 5.3 4.4 4.1 4.5 4.5 5.0 3.5 3.9 Organic solvent liquidat 7.0 10.0 11.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 10.0 7.0 0.0 25° C./total amount (%)Rapid drying test A A B A C A A A D D

[Results of Redispersion Test]

The compositions and viscosities of Examples 11-18 and ComparativeExamples 3-4 are shown in Table 2. The redispersion test results and thereplaceability test results are shown in Table 3. Regarding theredispersibility of the water-based ink of Example 1, ComparativeExamples 11 to 12 were evaluated as D, whereas the redispersibility ofExamples 11 to 18 was evaluated as A to C, so it can be seen that theredispersibility of the storage liquid in Examples 11 to 18 wasexcellent. Furthermore, even when the storage liquid of Example 11 wasused for the water-based inks of Examples 4, 5, and 7, the evaluationwas excellent at A to C. Furthermore, Examples 11 to 17 containing theanionic surfactant Sunnol NL-1430 were superior when compared to Example18 containing the nonionic surfactant Olfine E1010. When redispersingthe dry solids, which are solidified mixtures of the remainingwater-based ink and storage liquid in the channel or head in water, itis thought that the charged surfactant adsorbs to the particles of thedry solids, and the mutual repulsive force between particles in water isincreased, so the dry solids are easily redispersed.

Furthermore, Examples 11 to 13 containing water-soluble polymers withweight average molecular weights of 8,500 to 20,000 were superior toExamples 14 and containing water-soluble polymers with weight averagemolecular weights outside the range of 8,500 to 20,000. When the mixedliquid of the remaining water-based ink and storage liquid dries in thechannel or head, the distance between the pigment particles in thewater-based ink is reduced as the amount of solvent decreases. Since thewater-soluble polymer acts as a steric hindrance between the pigmentparticles getting closer together, it is believed that theredispersibility is improved. In addition, water-soluble polymers withbulky structures such as aromatics and lactams are thought to functionmore readily as steric hindrances. In addition, if the molecular weightof the water-soluble polymer is small, it becomes difficult to functionas a steric hindrance while on the other hand, if the molecular weightis large, redissolving in solvent after drying is considered to be moredifficult.

Furthermore, Examples 11 to 16 and 18 containing glycol ether having anethylene oxide group as the organic solvent were superior forredispersibility properties as compared to Example 17, in which theorganic solvent did not contain a glycol ether having an ethylene oxidegroup. Since organic solvents containing glycol ethers with ethyleneoxide groups are highly water-soluble, it is thought that they play arole as aids for redissolving or redispersing highly hydrophobicsubstances such as dry solids, pigments, and resin microparticles inwater.

TABLE 2 Comparative Example Example 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 3 4 Watersoluble Polyvinyl- 0.2 — — — — 0.2 0.2 0.2 — 0.2 polymer pyrrolidone (wt%) (molecular weight 10,000) Joncryl 62 — 0.6 — — — — — — — — (molecularweight 8,500, 34 wt %) Polyethylene — — 0.2 — — — — — — — glycol 20,000(molecular weight: 20,000) Joncryl 57 — — — 0.4 — — — — — — (molecularweight 4,900, 45 wt %) Polyethylene — — — 0.2 — — — — — glycol 35,000(molecular weight: 35,000) Wetting agent Glycerin 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.040.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 (wt %) Organic Triethylene 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.05.0 — — 5.0 5.0 5.0 solvent (wt %) glycol monobutyl ether Diethylene — —— — — 5.0 — — — — glycol monobutyl ether Dipropylene — — — — — — 5.0 — —— glycol monopropyl ether Surfactant Sunnol NL- 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.03.0 — 3.0 — (wt %) 1430 (28 wt %) Olfine — — — — — — — 3.0 — — E1010Solvent Water Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem Rem (wt %) Rem:Remainder Total amount 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Viscosity(mPa · s) 4.0 3.6 4.4 3.4 5.8 3.8 3.9 3.8 3.8 3.4

TABLE 3 Water-based ink Example Example Example Example Example ExampleExample Example 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Storage liquid Example Example ExampleExample Example Example Example Example 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18Redispersibility Ratio A A B B B A C C 90% Ratio A A A B B A C B 95%Replaceability A A A A B A A A Water-based ink Example 4 Example 5Example 7 Example 1 Example 1 Storage liquid Comparative ComparativeExample 11 Example 11 Example 11 Example 3 Example 4 RedispersibilityRatio A C C D D 90% Ratio A B B D D 95% Replaceability A A A A A

[Replacement Test]

As illustrated in Table 3, both the storage liquids of Examples 11 to 18and the storage liquids of Comparative Examples 3 and 4 were excellentas replacements for the water-based ink of Example 1. However, thereplaceability of the storage liquid of Example 15, which has aviscosity higher than that of the water-based ink of Example 1, wasevaluated as B, which was inferior to the other Examples and ComparativeExamples. It is thought that when liquids with different viscosities(water-based ink and storage liquid) come into contact with each other,the low-viscosity liquid moves into the high-viscosity liquid and mixes.When the water-based ink is replaced with the storage liquid, if thewater-based ink remains in the channel or in the intricate parts of thehead, the remaining water-based ink may solidify. Therefore, since it isdesired that the water-based ink is replaced with the storage liquideven in the inside of the channel and the intricate parts inside thehead, it is thought that the replacement performance is improved whenthe viscosity of the storage liquid is lower than the viscosity of thewater-based ink. Furthermore, a lower viscosity of the storage liquidfacilitates the water-based ink in the channel downstream of the cap 62flowing into the waste liquid tank 77.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention(s) are possible in light of the above teachings. It istherefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims,the invention(s) may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein.

1. A liquid discharging device, comprising: a cartridge mounting partconfigured to have a cartridge retaining a liquid mounted thereon; atank configured to retain the liquid; a head configured to eject theliquid from a nozzle which is an opening provided on a nozzle surface ofthe head; a first channel connecting the cartridge mounting part and thetank; a second channel connecting the tank and the head; a dischargeunit comprising a cap configured to cover the nozzle surface, thedischarge unit being configured to discharge the liquid from the nozzleby creating a negative pressure in an internal space of the cap; and acontroller, wherein the liquid is at least a storage liquid, a firstliquid which is different from the storage liquid, or a mixture thereof,the cartridge comprises a first liquid cartridge which retains the firstliquid and a storage liquid cartridge which retains the storage liquid,and in a state where the liquid discharging device is in a storage mode,the controller executes: a return process in which the first liquid isreturned from the tank through the first channel to the first liquidcartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting part; a first dischargingprocess in which the first liquid is discharged from the head afterexecuting the return process by an operation of the discharge unit; astorage liquid supplying process in which the storage liquid is suppliedfrom a storage liquid cartridge to the tank in a state where the storageliquid cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part; and a seconddischarging process in which the storage liquid is discharged from thehead after executing the storage liquid supplying process by anoperation of the discharge unit.
 2. The liquid discharging deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the controller further cause the liquiddischarging device to transition to the storage mode based on apredetermined instruction command received while the first liquidcartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part.
 3. The liquiddischarging device according to claim 1, wherein: the first liquidcomprises a coloring agent, an organic solvent, a surfactant, and water;and the storage liquid comprises an organic solvent, a surfactant, andwater.
 4. The liquid discharging device according to claim 3, wherein:the first liquid further comprises a resin microparticle, and thecoloring agent comprises a pigment; and the storage liquid furthercomprises a water-soluble polymer.
 5. The liquid discharging deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein a viscosity of the first liquid is higherthan a viscosity of the storage liquid.
 6. The liquid discharging deviceaccording claim 3, wherein the surfactant included in the storage liquidis an anionic surfactant.
 7. The liquid discharging device according toclaim 4, wherein a weight average molecular weight of the water-solublepolymer included in the storage liquid is within a range of 8,500 to20,000.
 8. The liquid discharging device according to claim 4, whereinthe water-soluble polymer included in the storage liquid comprises anaromatic alkyl group or a lactam group in a structure thereof.
 9. Theliquid discharging device according to claim 3, wherein: the organicsolvent included in the first liquid comprises a glycol ether having apropylene oxide group; and the organic solvent included in the storageliquid comprises a glycol ether having an ethylene oxide group.
 10. Theliquid discharging device according to claim 3, wherein the organicsolvent included in the first liquid comprises alow-solidification-temperature organic solvent which is independently ina liquid state at 25° C., in an amount of 10% by weight or less relativeto a total liquid amount.
 11. The liquid discharging device according toclaim 4, wherein the resin microparticle included in the first liquid ismade of an acrylic resin.
 12. The liquid discharging device according toclaim 1, wherein with the return process, the controller determineswhether or not the first liquid cartridge is mounted on the cartridgemounting part based on whether or not identification information isreceived from the first liquid cartridge.
 13. The liquid dischargingdevice according to claim 1, further comprising: a third channel fordischarging liquid from the head to the tank, wherein the controllerfurther executes a storage liquid circulation process in which thestorage liquid retained in the tank is circulated through the secondchannel and the third channel to and from the head before the seconddischarging process.
 14. The liquid discharging device according toclaim 13, wherein the controller further executes a first liquidcirculation process in which the first liquid retained in the tank iscirculated between the tank and the head through the second channel andthe third channel, in a state where the first liquid cartridge ismounted on the cartridge mounting part.
 15. The liquid dischargingdevice according to claim 13, wherein the controller repeatedly executesthe storage liquid circulation process and the second dischargingprocess.
 16. The liquid discharging device according to claim 1, whereinthe controller further determines whether or not the storage liquidcartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part based on whether ornot identification information is received from the storage liquidcartridge in the storage liquid supplying process.
 17. The liquiddischarging device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unitfurther comprises a fourth channel communicating with the internal spaceof the cap, a cap is configured to cover the nozzle surface in acovering position and to separate from the nozzle surface in a retractedposition; and the controller further executes a cleaning process inwhich a cleaning liquid is circulated in the internal space of the capand in the fourth channel.
 18. The liquid discharging device accordingto claim 1, wherein the controller further causes storage informationindicating being in a storage state to be recorded in a memory, and thenpower of the liquid discharging device to be turned OFF, after executingthe second discharging process.
 19. The liquid discharging deviceaccording to claim 18, wherein the controller causes the storage liquidis discharged from the head by an operation of the discharge unit, in astate where the storage information is recorded in the memory and thefirst liquid cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting part. 20.The liquid discharging device according to claim 19, wherein thecontroller further causes the first liquid to be supplied from the firstliquid cartridge to the tank, in a state where the storage informationis recorded in the memory and the first liquid cartridge is mounted onthe cartridge mounting part.